Beyond revenge: The story of Maoz Inon
Maoz Inon is an Israeli Jewish social entrepreneur and peace advocate. During a February online event—Part I of the Peace & Possibility events—he shared the story of his parents being murdered by Hamas and his family’s astonishing journey to peace. The following excerpts are from an online event with Inon that Canadian Mennonite convened in…
Marching to Zion
The streets are packed. Hordes of people move at once, criss-crossing over the smooth stone streets and deftly navigating down many stairs. Vendors shouting in Arabic call from all sides, selling vegetables, clothes, toys, herbs and household goods. The air is heavy with the smell of people and spices. Occasionally I get a whiff of…
Wearing our faith
I’m not usually one to proclaim my loyalties through what I wear. I don’t own a sports jersey, and I don’t wear a cross, although I’m not judging those who do. So the ribbons currently on my wrist are unusual. They catch my eye at different times during the day, while spreading butter on my…
Members from MC Canada delegation share what they learned
Members of a Mennonite Church Canada delegation attended the virtual conference hosted by NAIITS—An Indigenous Learning Community from June 3 to 6. Each year NAIITS (formerly the North American Institute for Indigenous Theological Studies) hosts a theological conversation intended for people of all ages, including pastors and activists, and Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. This year…
The church mirror
Some churches have a mirror in their cloak rooms. You might want to check your reflection before going in to worship. In older, more formal times, you might have combed your hair or adjusted your tie. Sometimes you are satisfied with your reflection, even pleased. Other times, you might be disappointed or avoid looking. Whatever…
Jesus in a world in upheaval
A number of weeks ago I boarded a plane in Toronto for Istanbul. It’s a long flight—more than nine hours—and I secretly hoped that the seat beside me would remain empty so I could stretch out and sleep. It wasn’t to be. A young man in his late 20s plopped down beside me. I did…
A Public Confession of Our Personal Wars
The sound-byte was simple, “What would happen if we all just truly—I’m talking about all religious stripes here—started praying for the peace of this city and then actually started putting some action behind that?” With that quote Devon Clunis, Winnipeg’s incoming chief of police, stirred up a brief and vigorous media storm. Responses ranged, predictably,…
Faith seeking understanding
Senior year in high school is generally busy, but Sarah Ens managed to pack more activities and achievements into Grade 12 than many do in a lifetime, combining academic excellence while pursuing her passions for social justice, writing and volunteerism. In February, Ens was one of 30 Canadian high school students who received the Loran…
Mary at the Foot of the Cross
As we experience another Holy Week leading up to Easter, I’m thinking of Mary, the mother of Jesus. I know, she’s not the first biblical figure who comes to mind at this time of year – we tend to associate her almost exclusively with the church seasons of Advent and Christmas – but if we…
What you see is what you get
“When L’Arche comes, the lack of pretense, the joy, the enthusiasm, the simple faith and the light in Jesus, it was and is so refreshing,” says Ryan Dueck, pastor of Lethbridge Mennonite Church. He has thoroughly enjoyed the relationship between his congregation and L’Arche Lethbridge, which has been cherished for three decades. “I slid into…
