What if the churches of the Lower Mainland could help to significantly reduce homelessness and provide affordable housing? That is the question organizations like Co:Here Housing, the Nest and Catalyst have been asking over the past five years. As director…
Four years ago Jonathan Bird and I posted a series on the neighbourhoods of Vancouver. We are offering them again, with demographics from the latest national census and some other updates. We begin with a particularly historic area. Sunset is…
A study released July 9 confirms what anyone watching the church in Metro Vancouver already knows – that many immigrants have found welcome and support from local faith communities. The Faith and Immigration report begins: A comprehensive public opinion study of…
Vancouver City Council will consider the redevelopment of the First Baptist Church property next Tuesday evening (July 18). City staff recommended June 27 that the application by Bing Thom Architects Inc. on behalf of First Baptist Church and Westbank Project Corp. be referred to a…
Vancouver is hosting the annual five-day (April 24 – 28) TED Conference (which organizers say is “at the heart of TED”), and so we also hosted Pope Francis earlier this week. Speaking on themes of hope, inclusion and tenderness, his TED Talk…
City in Focus (CIF) will recognize four individuals for their exceptional work in Vancouver, tonight (September 22, 5 – 7 pm) during an awards ceremony at the Vancouver Club. (To register go here.) City in Focus describes the purpose of…
Vancouver churches are receiving more attention than usual in the media these days, for a number of reasons. Here are a couple of recent examples: Steeples for sale The Economist has taken note of Vancouver’s hot property market, in particular…
One Good Friday celebration which every year draws in community members along with people from a range of churches and ministries is the Way of the Cross in the Downtown Eastside. It will begin on the steps of First United…
Easter approaches, and with it much beautiful music. This year, Bach’s St. Matthew Passion must surely be the most eagerly awaited by those who appreciate sacred/classical music. The Vancouver Bach Choir, with help from the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, will present…
There was a buzz in Regent College Chapel as people came together for Regent Exchange: Churches and the Housing Crisis January 27. Members of Christian communities across the Lower Mainland gathered alongside urban planners, social workers, architects, city officials, students, journalists…