A recent survey from Renewal Fellowship asked readers where their minds were at four months after the historic change in doctrine of the Presbyterian Church in Canada (PCC). It was hardly a scientific survey, but the responses mirrored what we’ve been hearing in conversations: In general, “We are staying in the PCC for now, while … Read more
Lessons from Squirrel Land. Picture a collection of old trees, filled with squirrels darting up and down the trunks and back and forth across the branches. They are frenetically active. Two squirrels are chasing one other with a walnut in its mouth. Theft? Covetousness? Fun and games? Squirrels just do what they are wired to … Read more
Renewal groups can be found in many denominations. From time to time, we will take a look at others who adhere to the authority of scripture and resist bringing secular values into theology. “Gone by 2040?” The stark headline in the January 2020 Anglican Journal was an attention grabber, pointing to the grim conclusion of … Read more
The 2021 federal election marked a new low for civil discourse in postmodern times. Leaders being confronted by protesters from other parties is par for the course but hurling eggs and handfuls of gravel at them was something new. We should not be surprised. It was the logical next step from the online anger which … Read more
I read a frightening statistic recently.
“Only 29 per cent of Christians believe that reaching unreached people around the world is 'very urgent.' ” It's a quote from the Barna Group, the American research firm which specializes in faith and culture. I don't believe that it's far from the truth. (It could be even worse in Canada.) It holds up against recent research. In 2017, Barna asked churchgoers … Read more
Precisely 60 seconds after the adoption of Remit ‘C’ by General Assembly, which allowed the call, election and ordination of those in same-sex partnerships, a motion was made to investigate the establishment of a separate theological synod for those who adhere to traditional standards. The timing spoke volumes. … Read more
Was there a defining moment from General Assembly 2021? Often with a major story we’re able to point to an image or remark which sums it up or at least puts it into perspective. Sometimes, it’s an iconic photo – an exhausted, soot-covered first responder. Or a pithy quote – “Say it ain’t so!” or … Read more
At 4:37 p.m. Eastern time on June 8, 2021, the General Assembly of The Presbyterian Church in Canada made official what many had believed for years. The approval of Remit ‘B’, with two parallel definitions of marriage, provided legitimacy for those who interpret and apply Scripture through human eyes rather than submitting to the unfathomable, … Read more
Approximately 60 members remained online for the AGM, which was chaired by Ian Shaw. Report of the Chair Over the past 18-24 months we have been wrestling with the thought, “Do we still have a mission in the Presbyterian Church in Canada?” The board has concluded that yes, we do. We offer authentic Biblical thinking, … Read more
While the Gospel call to salvation is the true and lasting Good News, it’s also true that people working together, sharing their successes and know-how is also good for The Kingdom. In January 2020, the session of Zion Presbyterian Church in Charlottetown, PEI, sent an invitation to each congregation in the Synod of Atlantic Provinces … Read more