Has “liberty of conscience and action” replaced “no divisive course” as the touchstone phrase in our polity? Ministers, elders and deacons promise in our ordination vows to “follow no divisive course but to seek the peace and unity of Christ among your people” and the wider church. It’s widely quoted and tacitly accepted, even though … Read more
No matter what the flavour of our congregation, we are the Stay ‘n Pray group. But we are only part of the family. Among those who adhere to Reformed orthodoxy are those who are Planning to Depart. A few have a plan in place while most are still figuring out a way. Some who have already found New Pasture. And a final group, Discerning, isn’t completely sure where they will be in five years. … Read more
By Deb Stimphil, RF Board Chairperson At this time of year, I always want to thank the people that have meant something special in the past year. I want to thank, on behalf of the Board of Renewal Fellowship, all our wonderful supporters. You are very special to the Renewal Fellowship. This year at Renewal … Read more
RF Executive Director Andy Cornell, right, talks with Rev. Trevor Payton, Executive Director of Dunamis Fellowship Canada during their fall gathering at Kortright Presbyterian Church in Guelph on Oct. 15. Andy joined the DFC board of directors earlier this year. There’s a natural connection between RF and Dunamis as we are all united in reformed … Read more
By Deb Stimphil, RF Board Chairperson. In Psalm 40, David says “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire. He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He … Read more
While the Renewal Fellowship’s mandate and current mission is to provide Prayer and Care for those who adhere to orthodoxy within the PCC, we recognize that some brothers and sisters are being called to depart. The following announcement was prepared by Living Stones and may not necessarily represent the views of the Renewal Fellowship’s leadership. It’s … Read more
Is the evangelical revival of The Presbyterian Church in Canada a lost dream? Not necessarily. The PCC may be officially affirming. It’s entirely possible that “liberty of conscience and action” regarding participation in ordinations and adherence to traditional definition of marriage may just be short-term accommodations. And it’s disheartening to see a majority of commissioners … Read more
The denial of “balance and respect for both definitions of marriage” appeared to be a watershed moment at General Assembly 2022.[i] It revealed what many in orthodoxy have suspected – or feared: That The Presbyterian Church in Canada (PCC) is officially “affirming” in accordance with the adoption of Pathway ‘B’– “inclusion” – in 2019. The … Read more
Defining moments from General Assembly 2022 The General Assembly of The Presbyterian Church in Canada provides a four-day snapshot of the state of the church. Anyone concerned about the evangelical renewal of the church would have heard numerous causes for concern. RF Executive Director Andy Cornell watched the entire proceedings and compiled notable and telling … Read more
As I am writing this piece, General Assembly has just finished. I spent the time before, during and after the sederunts praying for the moderator, the commissioners, the clerks, the help desk people and the technology. Having been a commissioner last year, I knew what a challenge everyone would face and how important it was … Read more