Every Christmas season we are reminded by fellow Christians that Canadians have forgotten that ‘Jesus is the reason for the season.” These concerns are true enough; I’ve felt that way myself. A recent National Post comment – well worth reading…
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) released an alarming study November 20, just days before COP 28, the UN Climate Change Conference scheduled to run November 30 – December 12 in Dubai. The Emissions Gap report “finds that the world is heading…
Two top-flight athletes will headline the Complete Champions Reception this Friday (November 24). Alison Jackson and Rick Hansen will address those gathered at the annual event to support the Trinity Western University (TWU) Spartans, the athletic teams that represent the…
BC Housing announced November 6 that an “affordable and supportive homes” project on the property of First United Church is now under way: Indigenous Peoples and people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside will soon have…
Archbishop Michael Miller returned last week from four weeks in Rome, where he participated in the Synod on Synodality. He had been elected by his fellow Canadian bishops as one of six bishops to represent the Canadian Catholic Church at…
I can’t remember when I have felt as optimistic about ecumenical activities among local Christians as I have this fall. Three new (or renewed) initiatives stand out in particular: Mission Fest confirmed for early next year; Taste & Receive will…
At one time, it might have seemed odd to head along to church to hear some jazz music. Surely it was more suited to smoky night clubs? Non-smoky now, of course, but still not churches. Times have changed, though, at…
Stephen Rathjen has lived and worked in the Downtown Eastside for many years. He has many friends and connections in the area, but over time experienced how Christians can live in close proximity and still not really know one another.…
A growing number of Canadians believe that the current rate of immigration to Canada is too high, particularly citing concerns about how newcomers might impact the availability of affordable housing. This is one of the main findings of a Focus…
This is my fourth round-up of 2023, and there will probably be one more. Clearly the Christian community in Metro Vancouver is home to a good number of talented writers. The first round-up is here and the second here. This…