In the #ChurchToo trenches
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In the #ChurchToo trenches

“‘Monsters aren’t real, are they mommy?’ And time stood still as everything I hear [in court], every day, flashed in my mind . . .” Rachael Denhollander was the first woman to publicly accuse sports doctor Larry Nassar of sexual assault, part of the army of more than 200 Nassar abuse survivors whose testimonies led…

Gerrymandering injustice
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Gerrymandering injustice

Few news reports have infuriated me as much as the one coming out of Alabama, where the state legislature’s plan to redraw congressional districts was recently approved by a divided United States Supreme Court. Since 1790 the federal government has conducted a census every 10 years. Based on the resulting population statistics, each state is…

Rescue dogs and recovery cats
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Rescue dogs and recovery cats

When I think about others, I like to consider all our relations – of all species. We have been blessed with so many abilities and luxuries and we have a responsibility to help those who are more vulnerable, and this includes all the animals and winged ones. When I was in my Toronto apartment, still struggling…

The Church & Human Rights
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The Church & Human Rights

Perhaps it is not a surprise that the mere installation, at Neland Avenue Christian Reformed Church (CRC) in Grand Rapids, Michigan, of a deacon who is in a same-sex marriage has stirred a controversy in the CRC. However, as a lawyer and member of the CRC, it concerns me that my faith community routinely lags…

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‘It’s Always About the Land’

Someone at church once asked me, “Just what do you people want anyway?” Well, first, maybe don’t call us “you people.” We Indigenous people actually expect a lot from Canada, because a lot was taken from us, and a burden was placed on us that we have carried for centuries. We expect Canada will negotiate government to government, ours to theirs. We expect healing of our identity that has been so shattered, mostly by the residential schools and the Sixties Scoop. We also expect an end to the persistent cycles of racism in Canadian society.

Ashes to Ashes
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Ashes to Ashes

Death is pervasive in the Christian story. Our central symbol? The cross. More than 1/3 of the Psalms? Psalms of lament. One of the central metaphors of the Christian life is dying to the old self and putting on the new self.

Another kind of justice

Another kind of justice

Public awareness that courts and the police don’t work like Law and Order shows on TV is a good thing. But loss of public confidence in our justice system is a serious issue, especially when it is deepest among groups who feel like they are on the margins.

The intersection of rights
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The intersection of rights

Some Christians resolve the tension by arguing that religious freedom trumps all other rights. That is not the position in law and I don’t think it is biblical either. Basic tenants in human rights are universality – all people have equal rights – and indivisibility and interdependence – all areas of rights are interrelated. I work at the intersection of rights.

Centre for Public Dialogue building community of social activists, artists and musicians
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Centre for Public Dialogue building community of social activists, artists and musicians

“We need community to continue and grow justice work,” says Hogeterp. “The work of justice is enhanced when we connect with people of faith, lean into worship and grow spiritual discipline.”

Finding favour
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Finding favour

In a world of injustice we call and work for justice. OK, is there more? In the business world, work is cost-justified. The church is “written off” the ledger sheets in part because it is not good business and, unfortunately, because it is often not good at its business. The business of the church is grace.

‘It’s not fair’
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‘It’s not fair’

“It’s not fair.” Many famous people have said that line, not to mention every child. We all long for justice.

‘A place for us’: Christmas Eve in Bethlehem
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‘A place for us’: Christmas Eve in Bethlehem

After being in the West Bank, I wondered what has become of the promise of peace and goodwill. I have wondered where God is in all of this. I came here to observe life under occupation and in my actions show Christ. But instead I have felt empty and disheartened.