An old bridal tale goes: Something old,something new,something borrowed,something blue . . . In a different tone and context, the good book reminds us: No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old cloak; otherwise, the patch pulls away from it, the new from the old, and a worse tear is made. (Mark... Continue Reading →
Are there lessons from the Church of England for us in the Anglican Church of Canada?
The report below suggests that in the Church of England at least, a growing number of congregations are moving in a โcongregationalโ direction. This means โlow churchโ where the preaching of the word is prioritized over the sacramental engagement with that Word that is God. Congregationalism also indicates less tolerance for uniformity in practice and... Continue Reading →
Law and (dis)order โ Never stop praying
A sermon for the congregation of St. Stephen Anglican Church, Summerland BC on Sunday, October 19th, 2025 โ Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost y the Very Rev. Ken Gray Kathie and I love watching TV legal dramas. Itโs where I can channel my inner lawyer. She can speak to her favourites, but here are my top... Continue Reading →
Prophet and Pastor on the streets of Chicago
An interview heard on US National Public Radio, October 12, 2025 Weekend Edition Sunday NPR's Ayesha Rascoe speaks to Reverend Quincy Worthington, from Highland Park Presbyterian Church, about what he's seeing on the ground during ongoing ICE protests in Chicago. AYESHA RASCOE, HOST: A federal judge in Illinois issued a temporary restraining order on Thursday... Continue Reading →
Prophet, or Priest โ Can the two coexist?
Fr. Richard Rohr names a tension I have felt throughout my ministry. As a parish priest I represented the tradition of the church, yet always felt (and still do feel) called to push the boundaries. We certainly need both influences, but I continue to wonder how the two can coexist in one person, one leader,... Continue Reading →
Meet my friend Jim
My son, Cameron, suggested I reach out to Jim as someone also interested and experienced in justice advocacy, knowledgeable in politics, fervent in faith, and a Toronto Blue Jays baseball fan. The two met years ago at a United Nations climate conference (UNFCCC) in Cancรบn, Mexico. Learning that Jim had retired from global relations work... Continue Reading →
THANKSGIVING SERMON 2025
A sermon for the combined congregations of St. Stephen Anglican Church and Summerland United Church at the Stone Church in Summerland -- Thanksgiving Sunday, October 12, 2025 -- The Very Rev. Ken Gray Itโs a familiar scenario to all of us. We walk into a grocery store, or a car dealership, or into one of... Continue Reading →
A most honourable mention โ Remembering Peter Hamel
โHe stood his ground, he knew what was right, he kept his word, and he kept things honest,โ says Hamel's widow, Margo Hearne. I first met Peter Hamel at a conference in the Diocese of British Columbia (now โIslands and Inletsโ) in 1993. Newly ordained it was an early experience for me of the tempestuous... Continue Reading →
Lucy Winkett on the new Archbishop of Canterbury
I first discovered the Rev. Lucy Winkett when she joined the staff of St. Paulโs Cathedral in London UK in 1997. There for many years, first as a minor canon and later as canon precentor she blazed the way for female clergy through what was then a exclusively male enclave. Years later than me she... Continue Reading →
Why Do So Many Christians Believe in Trump?
The more he rejects Jesusโ teachings, the more MAGA rejoicesSteve Burgess 1 Oct 2025 - The Tyee โLove your enemies,โ said Jesus, โand pray for those who persecute you.โ โI hate my opponents,โ said Donald Trump. Trumpโs statement, delivered from the podium at the Arizona memorial for murdered activist Charlie Kirk, makes him anti-Christ. Not... Continue Reading →