The PCC is facing an historic decision. In an effort to find a solution to decades of disagreement over the response to same-sex attraction, the denomination’s 45 presbyteries are being asked to approve parallel definitions of marriage. Each presbytery will be asked to say yes or no to the remits. If at least 23 presbyteries … Read more
General Assembly adopted unprecedented recommendations to change the definition of marriage and to allow LGBTQI ministers and elders to be called or elected to office. As it would change doctrine, the recommendations will be submitted as remits for consideration under the Barrier Act. Approval of those remits is required by at least half of the … Read more
Renewal Fellowship has renewed its Knox College scholarship. After several years of dormancy, it was awarded this spring to second-year M.Div student Edward Woo, who did his field education placement with Rev. Jeff Loach in Nobleton, Ont. The Renewal Fellowship Evangelism Scholarship (formerly the Living the Name Scholarship) has been increased from $100 to $250. It’s … Read more
“Pragmatism or principle” was the duelling dynamic for commissioners as we wrestled with how we would rank the four pathways proposed by the Special Committee of Former Moderators. For many who hold onto classical theology, only two pathways – ‘A’ (tradition) and ‘C’ (three streams) – were seriously considered. ‘B’ (inclusion) and ‘D’ (accommodation) were non starters. … Read More
What will best serve the Kingdom – politics or principle? That is one of several questions I have as I consider the four pathways laid out by the Special Committee of Former Moderators, whose long-awaited report was released May 21 (posted here). The committee’s report is in response to General Assembly 2018’s direction to “propose … Read more
We begin life with the human instinct to connect to our Creator. Children, whether they’ve been raised in a Christian home or not, reach out to God in their thinking. And it continues throughout our lives. Even a professing non-believer might say, “O please, please, please let me find my wallet” as they’re desperately searching … Read more
The idea that the reformed church is a priesthood of all believers is noble, and even somewhat true. Each believer is called to take the gospel into the nations, to have a reason handy for the hope that we have in Christ, and be equipped to be as Christ to the least of these. Those … Read more
One of the risks that we take in talking publicly is that we have absolutely no control over what’s printed or broadcast. Comments can be taken out of context or be quoted inaccurately. Headlines attempt to draw the reader’s attention but sometimes miss the mark and create the wrong impression. Those don’t sound like the … Read more
Progressive Christians continue to react with shock and dismay over the decision by the United Methodist Church to uphold the traditional definition of marriage. It didn’t take long for those who are opposed to the decision by the worldwide body to declare their next move: to continue defying church law. “We are not going anywhere,” … Read more
As I write this, first responders and tow truck operators are untangling 70 vehicles from a massive chain-reaction pile-up on one of Canada’s busiest highways. Squalls and blowing snow warnings have been routine from coast to coast for what seems like a week. And our poor, desperate friends in the Prairie provinces are locked in … Read more