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…
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…
Dear friends in the Christian community of Metro Vancouver: In recent news about the Afghan people, countries bordering Afghanistan, most notably Pakistan, have begun to crack down on immigration from Afghanistan, arresting and deporting families, some of whom have been…
Hate speech – and reactions to hate speech – confront us, in Vancouver, across Canada and around the world. Following is an introduction to a timely and relevant report by Janet Epp Buckingham, followed by two excerpts. On 30 October…
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…
Luis radiates joy. He speaks with enthusiasm – about his work as a chef, about biking along the seawall – and when he says he’s in a place of happiness, it’s impossible to doubt. Separated from his family in his…
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.…