Brian Bird believes the state must take freedom of conscience more seriously. Bird, who teaches at UBC’s Peter A. Allard School of Law, has made the case for several years, but says that several current BC disputes illustrate the need…
Two young women appeared in Vancouver Provincial Court September 28 to face charges arising from vandalism at St. Jude’s Catholic Church in east Vancouver. The Vancouver Police Department said earlier that the BC Prosecution Service had approved charges of mischief…
Sometimes those of us in the church wonder whether anyone cares what we do or say. But we needn’t worry; the eyes of the BC Humanist Association are ever upon us. They have made it their business to assess, research…
“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…
Apparently, churches will be free to hold indoor services as early as this weekend. [Note: This was confirmed on the afternoon of May 27 when a new variance regarding indoor worship was posted online.] Until after dinner yesterday, that was…
Last weekend my wife and I went out for dinner at a restaurant to celebrate life. And on Sunday, for the first time in four months, we were able to attend church in person. It was Palm Sunday, one week…
March 29 update: Indoor in-person religious gatherings and worship services of any size are again prohibited. March 25 update: Dr. Bonnie Henry introduced a one-time variance on health restrictions March 25 to allow limited indoor gatherings for some religious holidays between…
Lent is a time of waiting. While the church prepares for Easter, we also await decisions from the provincial government about opportunities to meet in person again. Dr. Bonnie Henry offered some hope, but was very cautious, when she spoke…
The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Vancouver filed a petition with the B.C. Supreme Court February 26, requesting an exemption from the pandemic-related Provincial Health Order restricting church gatherings. Archbishop Michael Miller is also seeking “a declaration that the Provincial Health…
When I received an email from the Office of the Premier of British Columbia February 10, I was intrigued. How did they get my name and private email and what did they want? I found it was an invitation to…