There is tremendous pressure on GOP congressional legislators to release the Epstein files, mostly from democrats and from a smattering of Republicans along with almost every justice-seeking organization worldwide. Some innocuous sections of the files have been released but to date there is still no timetable to release the full oeuvre, and certainly no promise... Continue Reading →
Most North American political watchers applauded the award of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize to the Venezuelan opposition leader, Maria Corina Machado. With many others, I originally sighed with relief that Donald Trump was unsuccessful in his brazen attempt to add the Nobel trophy to his glittering oval office junk shop. Advised by friend and... Continue Reading →
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 It’s a familiar scenario to all of us. We walk into a grocery store, or a car dealership, or into one of... Continue Reading →
“He stood his ground, he knew what was right, he kept his word, and he kept things honest,” says Hamel's widow, Margo Hearne. I first met Peter Hamel at a conference in the Diocese of British Columbia (now “Islands and Inlets”) in 1993. Newly ordained it was an early experience for me of the tempestuous... Continue Reading →
It seems that most people meet online these days, not just in bars or through family connections or through friends. Norma Hill and I met online, not on a dating site as we are both happily married, though not to each other. One early email exchange is dated November 8, 2023 though our relationship feels... Continue Reading →
I first discovered the Rev. Lucy Winkett when she joined the staff of St. Paul’s 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 →
Like most cities, large and small, the City of Victoria in British Columbia still struggles how best to harmonize the lives of rich and poor, of those who live comfortable lives with those who live at great risk, on the streets or elsewhere in the community. Despite massive amounts of money spent on programs, no... Continue Reading →
Robert Reich on Substack, Oct 06, 2025 Friends, The direction we’re going is either martial law or civil war. Americans from so-called “red” states, with the backing of their Republican governors and legislatures, are on the brink of using lethal force against Americans in so-called “blue” states, whose Democratic governors and legislatures strongly oppose the... Continue Reading →
[Ken Gray] Today I feature a story of how one community frustrated the efforts of ICE agents in one American city. I think it worthwhile to demonstrate particular resistance actions, hopefully to encourage others to implement similar actions elsewhere. The struggle continues; it is nowhere near over. Not at all. Robert Reich received the information... Continue Reading →
The more he rejects Jesus’ teachings, the more MAGA rejoicesSteve Burgess 1 Oct 2025 - The Tyee “Love your enemies,” said Jesus, “and pray for those who persecute you.” “I hate my opponents,” said Donald Trump. Trump’s statement, delivered from the podium at the Arizona memorial for murdered activist Charlie Kirk, makes him anti-Christ. Not... Continue Reading →
Take Note - Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray 