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Christ-centred. Creative. Canadian.
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In my interview with Reverend Gerlyn Henry, she summarized the mission of her online work as a desire to “demystify the church and make the prophetic voice of the church more accessible.”
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Since our Zoom conversation back in June, I’ve been thinking about what it means to make the church more accessible for people.
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The internet provides an opportunity for Henry to slot her ministry into the midst of people's scroll through the algorithm. Her online ministry is centered on holding the church accountable, criticizing abuse of power and inviting the marginalized into a space of acceptance.
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But demystifying the church looks different for every Christian leader:
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The Christian body is an eclectic assortment of leaders across a myriad of ministries. Whether online or in a mall, internationally or in a church, there’s a spot for you.
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Did someone forward this newsletter to you?
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THE PARISH PRIEST IN THE ONLINE PULPIT
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Scarborough-based reverend Gerlyn Henry uses social media to reach millions with a progressive Christianity, addressing church hurt and politics.
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Jenna Boone
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“I can’t be a coward at the pulpit.”
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These words, coming from Gerlyn Henry’s supervisor on the heels of the January 6th insurrection in 2021, changed Henry’s perspective on ministry. At the time, Henry was working as an assistant priest at a church in the Anglican Diocese of Toronto. New to preaching and unable to connect with her parish because of covid, she did what many of us did during the pandemic: she turned to social media.
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A STOREFRONT TO THE GOSPEL
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Chapel in Canada’s biggest mall celebrates 40 years of ministry.
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Harma-Mae Smit
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In one wing of the vast West Edmonton Mall, a tiny chapel has stood for 40 years, tucked away by the Fantasyland Hotel and near the replica of the Santa Maria. Despite its long tenure, some people are still surprised to learn it is there. Tammy Saunders says, “The mission there is – it’s not about pushing our religion or our faith, but it’s to say, ‘We do exist. And if you need us, we are here.’”
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THE ART OF ORNITHEOLOGY
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Abby Ciona
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Kevin Burrell, a pastor and birder, started a blog to share his reflections on birding and faith. “I’m convinced that, to remain sane and grounded on this planet, every one of us should make some sort of attentive effort towards some aspect of God’s creation,” he writes. His recent book Considering Sparrows gives a “bird lens” on one particular book of the Bible.
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LAUDED BY THE LEFT AND THE RIGHT
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J. Cameron Fraser
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James Mackay was known to be a brilliant lawyer and Presbyterian elder long before he became Lord Advocate of Scotland (1979-84) and then Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain (1987-97). He was, in the words of a past president of the Law Society of Scotland: “not only an outstanding man in his profession, but one of the most brilliant Scottish scholars of all time.”
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THE NEW 'CIGARETTE' PROBLEM IN CANADA
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Kathy Vandergrift
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No one was surprised when a report by Mental Health Research Canada highlighted the rapid expansion of gambling addictions. It also identified that young men, and those who engage in online sports betting, are at higher risk of addiction. Adding a wager makes the outcome of a sports event more interesting – the hook is easy.
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THE 'DEEP' STATE?
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David Koyzis
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In my youth I cut my political teeth on the Watergate scandal. Like many Americans at the time, I was incensed that a sitting president, sworn to uphold the constitution, would abuse his office to gain unfair advantage in an election.
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In the intervening years, I hoped that Americans had learned their lesson.
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If you are a church, good news! CC is offering subscription bundles at 50% off our regular rate. It's our small way of connecting churches across Canada to redemptive journalism. Contact Michelle at [email protected] to learn more. If you already subscribe, consider making a donation to cover the cost of a bundle for a church (bundle of 20 issues/$60 a month; bundle of 100 issues/$280 a month).
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