Creating Conversation is a weekly editorial, curated by the Centre for Missional Leadership, that gives opportunity for people to speak about issues they believe are vital for the church in Vancouver. One of the goals of this weekly article is to…
In Ukraine today . . . not to condemn the perpetrators and distinguish them from victims is to do the dark work of covering the situation with moral darkness in which ‘all cats are gray.’ (Miroslav Volf, February 27 tweet) …
Vancouver churches and ministries are actively participating in the worldwide outpouring of support for the Ukrainian people. Here are some initiatives that have caught my eye. Christian Life Assembly Christian Life Assembly (CLA) Senior Pastor Derrick Hamre sent out three…
Across Canada, a number of congregations which own buildings are on the verge of folding or ending. Complications from COVID-19 and resulting restrictions have exposed and accelerated the demise of certain models of church prominent during Christendom. In these models,…
Driving around the city, I have noticed four holes in the ground where four church buildings used to be. That’s not good news. Three of the four churches are carrying on, or at least merging, but the buildings are still…
Kinbrace is the longest-serving dedicated housing provider for refugee claimants in British Columbia. Since 1998 they have offered transitional housing and wrap-around support for about 40 refugee claimants each year. Two houses with a shared back yard are located in…
This weekly editorial gives opportunity for people to speak about issues they believe are vital for the church to respond to. One of the goals of this weekly article is to spark dialogue – and action. We invite you to…
“It has been so so valuable to me to be in contact with faith leaders.” Dr. Bonnie Henry repeated a statement she has made many times over the past year, during a conference call with religious leaders June 11. Premier…
Maybe I missed the outcry, but it seems that the response of faith groups to new Covid-related restrictions has been quite muted – possibly reflecting a combination of resignation (given high numbers of new cases) and hope (that vaccinations will…
The staff at First Baptist Church began working from a new office space April 6, and St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church (across the street) has offered them a place to gather for services, whenever that happens again. First Baptist is in…