Rev. Ian ShawBoard Chair “People did whatever they felt like doing.” These words summarize the end of a most sad time in the history of God's people as recorded in the book of Judges. It was a time of moral, relational and political chaos. In some ways that summation faintly echoes the chaos with which … Read more
Remit Voting Results
From September 2019 through March 2020, each of the 45 presbyteries in the Presbyterian Church in Canada will be voting on the two Remits concerning same-sex marriage and ordination. If a majority of the 45 presbyteries approve, and that majority consists of at least half of the combined total of the constituent members on the rolls of presbyteries, then the remits will go to next year’s General Assembly, which is free to vote “Yes” or “No”. The dates, results, and numbers were supplied to us by members of the courts ... Read more
Read, Share, Study, and Pray
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
May this shake us and wake us
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
Orthodoxy in the PCC – Where It’s At
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
Cheyne Stoney Creek Overture re: Two-Stream Structure
Whereas since 2014 many studies, overtures, and debates focusing on LGBTQI matters have revealed a deeply divided denomination; and whereas, despite many serious attempts to resolve these deep divisions, the numerous dissents and expressions of profound pain at the 145th General Assembly … Read more
Overture from Eastern Han-Ca Presbytery
Whereas Korean congregations from 1967 onwards entered into a mutual covenant with The Presbyterian Church in Canada for the reason that our theological and doctrinal beliefs, expression of faith and worship, and governance were in consonance with those of The Presbyterian Church in Canada; and whereas these beliefs of The Presbyterian Church in Canada are found in our subordinate standards – the Westminster Confession of Faith adopted in 1875 and 1889 ... Read more
Grace West Hill Overture re: Safe Place for Congregations
Whereas the beliefs of The Presbyterian Church in Canada are defined in our subordinate standards, and whereas every minister and elder in The Presbyterian Church in Canada affirmed our subordinate standards in their ordination vows; and whereas General Assemblies of our denomination, despite these ordination vows, have nevertheless for several years been discussing changes, referred to as human sexuality issues, that would contravene our subordinate standards ... Read more
To the Life and Mission Agency
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
A Fresh Round of Overtures
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