Churches from every nation and persuasion have responded quickly to the pandemic precautions. It’s inspiring. It’s powerful. It’s a witness to the truth that the church will never die. And it testifies to the dictum that the church is reformed and continues to do so. Many churches which are doing things differently have been sharing their practices … Read more
Among the notable features of orthodoxy is the belief that God is always at work. He didn’t create the universe and walk away, nor does He just show up from time to time. Our triune God’s hands are in this world, constantly. In that light, what are we to make of the unprecedented reaction to COVID-19, the latest coronavirus that – we are told – is about to infect millions? We can immediately … Read more
In February 2020, The Renewal Fellowship convened three online gatherings of ministers, elders and congregants who adhere to a traditional view of doctrine and theology in The Presbyterian Church in Canada. The participants were, generally speaking, opposed to the remits (proposals) before our church courts to redefine marriage in order to create equal space for … Read more
In June 2019, General Assembly approved the following recommendation regarding Remits B and C – “That as a matter of urgency, the Life and Mission Agency provide a means for those affected by this decision to express their concerns, views and pain in a safe environment and that the concerns be reported back to the 2020 General Assembly before the report on remits is received and its recommendations considered.” While the Feb. 15 deadline to file these expressions has passed, I am sharing my statement in an effort to encourage prayer … Read more
As the March 31st deadline for presbyteries to consider the Remits draws closer, there’s renewed anticipation of what new proposals might be in the wings. Not content with pledges of “liberty of conscience and action” in either Remit, several courts are asking General Assembly for something more concrete … Read more
Theology matters – more than you might think. In 2016, a group of university professors published a groundbreaking study which linked mainline congregation growth to traditional, conservative theology. It compared the demographic and religious characteristics of ministers and attendees of growing mainline Protestant churches in southern Ontario with those of declining churches from the same … Read more
Rev. Andy Cornell has drawn together a history of the reports to the General Assembly, with significant quotations from many of them, showing the shift in views over the years. … Read more
Renewal Fellowship continues to track how all 45 presbyteries are handling the remits. Each court has until April 1 to submit their responses. With 45 presbyteries of all shapes, sizes and theological leanings, the response has literally been all over the map. For some, it was a quick decision. Presbytery of Peace River was the … Read more
On the road: Alberta Among the joys of travelling to new places and meeting people is that one never knows exactly what to expect. It’s in times like that I pray and ask for God’s hands to work. Planning a road trip begins with a single invitation or opportunity from a distant place — a … Read more
Following the actions of General Assembly 2019, gatherings of Presbyterians who adhere to orthodoxy have taken place in Montreal, Moncton, Vaughan, Ont., Kelowna and Calgary. Here are some brief accounts. “A Place to Stand” at Vaughan Community Church, Sept. 28. Hosted by the Presbytery of Eastern Han-Ca. More than 250 people representing dozens of presbyteries … Read more