Articles
The recent appointment of a new Archbishop of Canterbury didn’t seem to be commented upon by the main newspapers in New Zealand. In England, Anglicanism being a state church, it was big news. And the appointee being a woman, the first time in 1400 years, made it much bigger
Liturgical
At some point, way back, Christians came to think that a statement beginning with “I believe” (in Latin, credo) was important. Even very important. Though not way, way back. Not in the first or second century. Recent historical work indicates that there was a great deal of diversity in the
Liturgical
I believe in Easter, in the delight of Spring after the dark, merry blossoms on once barren branches, the beauty and exuberance of nature spreading her resplendent colours. My heart is glad, and is in God. I believe in gladness, in smiles, welcome, and warm embrace, in sharing, laughing, and
Liturgical
I believe in Christmas. I believe in Christmas, in Santa, sleighs, chimneys, and trees, in candles, cake, and presents to please, in children, snowflakes, and make-believe. For beliefs are things we make. I believe in making good, building, fixing, and restoring good, baking, sharing, and eating goodness, with others,
Liturgical
(Advent is symbolized by a mother waiting for the miracle of her baby to be born. How can a baby, weak and needy, be a harbinger of hope?) I believe in hope, even, especially, on days I don’t, when dark clouds of despair move in, fears arise, and storms
Liturgical
I believe in the power of the heart. I believe that in giving and receiving, in little kindnesses and forgiveness, in the embrace and challenges, found among whānau and communities of friends, our hearts are strengthened and softened. A soft heart is a strong heart. I believe that courage comes
Liturgical
Another in Glynn Cardy's series of 'affirmations'. I believe in happiness. I believe laughter, art, caring, and music have the power to knit us together - connecting us, liberating us, strengthening us - making and marking us as a joyful community, which knows and nurtures goodness. Goodness that
Liturgical
This I believe. Earth is our only home, and every creature is our neighbour, from the tiniest to the tallest, from the greatest to the smallest, and all the unnoticed between. We are connected in our needs. We are connected in our dreams. We are connected through that which gives
Liturgical
Blessed be those who are losing the ability to worry, who have met their fears and are slowly accepting them, realising that life, love, and loss are all gifts intertwined, fellow travellers, inseparable companions on their journey. They are paddling with the river, rounding the bends. Blessed be those with
Articles
Having drag performers centre stage at the Olympics, on one of the biggest stages in world theatre, is not a politically neutral act. Being able to have that act understood as referring to Jesus and the twelve apostles is not a politically neutral act. Doing this in France, with the ascendancy of th
Liturgical
When we diminish one, we are all diminished. When we injure one, we are all injured. When we exclude one, we all suffer. When we celebrate one, all are celebrated. When we welcome one, all are welcomed. When we love one, we love all, and all are loved
Liturgical
I believe in simple things, like the language of kindness, the balm of practical help, the joy of food to share, and friends to share with. I believe in working together, to heal bodies, minds, and hearts, to right the wrongs of injustice, to turn anger to peace, fear to