All ‘church’ is local
“All politics is local,” is one of the enduring lines of political wisdom uttered by the salty, outspoken U.S. congressman from Massachusetts, the late Tip O’Neill, nearly three decades ago—a line that seems to be gaining momentum in the 21st century. And it applies to more than politics. The same wisdom seems to be prescient…
How to heal a nation divided?
One could attribute the current crisis in Ukraine to the lack of sympathy for democratic practice. Repeated fisticuffs in Ukraine’s Parliament were one indication of that deficit. And why was it not possible for the protesters in Kyiv’s Maidan Square to wait for upcoming elections? They had been set for March 2015, then moved forward…
For discussion: How to heal a nation divided?
1. William Yoder suggests that democracy requires compromise and a sharing of power. Have you had experiences in public, church or family life where compromising or sharing power was difficult? Why is power so hard to share? What role do emotions play in these situations? 2. What is hampering relationships between Christians in Russia and…
Readers write: May 12, 2014 issue
Writer claims argument against Al Najd based on ‘factual error’ Re: “MCC should consider new partner in Gaza” letter, March 17, page 8. Andrew Pinnell’s letter contains a factual error that negates the argument. Despite Uri Schor, a spokesman for Israel’s Water Authority quoted in the Christian Post, the evidence is clear that Israel’s Wadi…
The shape of things to come?
In April, voters in la belle province rejected a political party that had drafted a charter of values that would have treated the overtly religious as unfit for public service. The Parti Québécois (PQ) secular charter intended to make publicly funded spaces free from the intrusion of “conspicuous” religious attire and symbols like hijabs and…
Celebrating Eastertide
I botched Lent this year. I didn’t fast from anything tasty or techno, or set aside time to meditate and pray. To be honest, I think my lack of motivation stems from the lack of inspiration I draw from the Easter story, at least as I’ve known it so far. The story of Christ’s victory…
A pilgrim people on the margins
Five loaves and two fish. The story of the feeding of the five thousand illustrates how Jesus uses the small amounts we bring to him. In this story, a crowd has been with Jesus all day. As sunset approaches. the disciples tell Jesus to send these people away, but he tells them to feed the…
‘In the name of Christ’
As the world watches the situation in Ukraine change almost daily, Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) affirms its commitment to its current work in the country. It also offers continued support and prayers to its partners and the people of Ukraine in this time of uncertainty and turmoil. “We remain concerned that the situation could lead…
Truth and reconciliation is ‘sacred work’
Justice Murray Sinclair proudly and lovingly put his arm around Sarah, his granddaughter. “Tomorrow is one of the most important days in my life, the birthday of my granddaughter,” he said of the eight-year-old. “Many of the children taken from families and placed in residential schools were even younger than this. Whenever I do my…
Day schools issue hits home
“Little is known about the day school part of our colonial history and it is pretty critical we get to know it,” said Steve Heinrichs, director of indigenous relations for Mennonite Church Canada. “We have day schools in our Mennonite church history. It hits home.” Mennonites and the Indian Residential School system was the focus…
