Renewal’s response to the remits — the full text is printed here — was released in late July and is being distributed not only to supporters but to the wider church. That’s a challenge for us, as we do not have official standing in the denomination. We have to rely on our membership, supporters and … Read more
Discontent can be a destructive energy that harms us physically, emotionally, and relationally. It may be a symptom of ingratitude or an inability to accept one’s lot in life – never having “learned to be content whatever the circumstances”. At its root, one is shaking an angry fist at God, accusing Him of failing to satisfy one’s expectations. This kind of discontent is … Read more
Dear Renewal Friend, In its 5th sederunt, the 145th General Assembly of The Presbyterian Church in Canada (PCC) approved Pathway “B” as presented by the Special Committee of Former Moderators*. In the 10th sederunt, remits to enable this change in doctrine and practice were approved for consideration under the Barrier Act (see below for the … Read more
This blog represents the thoughts of the author. While they may reflect the theological position of The Renewal Fellowship, they should not be seen as an official statement. We call it “the issue” – code for the tortuous wrestling with our official response to same-sex attraction. Long after the secular world and most other mainline … Read more
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
For many decades I have been a Bruce Cockburn fan. While my take on the dynamics involved in being a faithful follower of Jesus aren’t always in sync with his, the elements of faith that permeate his music often inspire my spirit and even when I don’t fully agree with his analysis of the world, … 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
Trust is a critical and pervasive part of a healthy life. Confidence in the safety of the food we eat, the reliability of our justice system and dependable friends are all essential parts of being able to develop a life that is wholesome and fulfilling. Trust is therefore precious. Trust is also fragile. Once abused … 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
The decision of the 145th General Assembly to adopt option “B” in the Report of the Special Committee of Former Moderators and the subsequent Remits on Human Sexuality and Marriage have caused a range of responses among members of the Renewal Fellowship and throughout our denomination. As a result of a meeting at Vaughan Community … Read more