Another chapter in the series Stories from Somewhere, fictional reflections of an unidentified place at an unknown time. Other chapters are listed here. Our paths have not crossed for a couple of weeks now, so I am out of touch. Obviously, Ronni and a few others have been busy making plans, exactly for what, I... Continue Reading →
Originally published as “Christianity isn’t just in decline — it’s become obsolete, says sociologist -- The problem isn’t simply about belief. ‘[Traditional religion] doesn’t fit ordinary life,’ says Christian Smith.” by Julie McGonegal - Feb. 6, 2026 on Broadview Christian Smith says that traditional religion hasn’t merely lost adherents — it’s become culturally obsolete. That’s... Continue Reading →
Previously published on Substack by Heather Cox Richardson on Feb 18, 2026 Long, but worth a careful read “I’ve been thinking a lot lately about love—about loving people and loving your country and the power involved in both,” the governor said. “I know, right now, there are a lot of people out there who love... Continue Reading →
[Pope Leo XIV] I would like to invite you to a very practical and frequently unappreciated form of abstinence: that of refraining from words that offend and hurt our neighbour. Let us begin by disarming our language, avoiding harsh words and rash judgment, refraining from slander and speaking ill of those who are not present... Continue Reading →
By Marianne Lavelle, Dan Gearino - February 13, 2026 - This article originally appeared on Inside Climate News, a nonprofit, non-partisan news organization that covers climate, energy and the environment. (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0) Sign up for their newsletter here. With the repeal of the Environmental Protection Agency’s scientific finding on the dangers of greenhouse gases,... Continue Reading →
Virginia Theological Seminary awarded the Dean’s Cross for Servant Leadership to comedian Stephen Colbert and his wife, film producer Evelyn McGee-Colbert, on Feb. 6 at General Theological Seminary in New York. Left to right: Evelyn McGee-Colbert, David Charlton, the Very Rev. Ian Markham and Stephen Colbert. Photo: Virginia Theological Seminary Episcopal News Service staff [Episcopal... Continue Reading →
Another chapter in the series Stories from Somewhere, fictional reflections of an unidentified place at an unknown time. Other chapters are listed here. “There is no such thing as a hopeless case”—AA Big Book “Minister, I need you to come over right away. Please. I am in trouble. Come right away.” I haven’t heard from... Continue Reading →
What to do with leftover stubs from altar candles? While some churches have abandoned beeswax or other real wax candles, some parishes continue to use them in worship. They look and smell lovely; better than any battery or oil fueled substitute for my money. The only problem is what to do with the stubs, a... Continue Reading →
From Trans Army on Facebook Trans Army is building a supportive community for trans individuals, providing a safe and welcoming space to connect, share, and find support. Updated reporting confirms that the person responsible for the Tumbler Ridge shooting was a 18-year-old who was transgender. That detail will draw attention. Yet attention alone does not... Continue Reading →
Josephine Walker on AXIOS Christian clergy are deploying spiritual infrastructure — from organizing prayer circles to acting as human shields — to resist the Trump administration's immigration agenda. Why it matters: The clergy members who spoke with Axios argue that Trump's immigration crackdown contradicts core biblical teachings about protecting the vulnerable, putting them at odds... Continue Reading →
Take Note - Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray 