Remembering Risks Taken Rev. Debra Thorne In 1939, Waitstill and Martha Sharp, a Unitarian minister and his wife, agreed to live their principles by leaving their children behind with their congregation in Massachusetts and setting out to the front lines of World War II, to help save the lives of political dissidents and Jewish refugees. […]
Karl Perrin and Holly Arntzen Europeans colonized this land. Elsewhere (e.g. India, Kenya) the colonizers vacated. But not here. As First Nations claim rights, and Canada says it supports their “free, prior, and informed consent” before corporate colonization is permitted, we must ask, “How did we get here?” and perhaps, “Are we colonizers, colonized, or […]
Generous Spirit Rev. Debra Thorne Every religion upholds the practice of giving as a spiritual act. Jesus, Buddha and Mohammed all offered teachings on giving as a spiritual practice. What do we as North Americans understand about the spiritual depth of giving? There are many different world views on giving—some that we are familiar with […]
Rev. Debra Thorne Without the generosity of those who share their experience and knowledge, our lives would be an endless repetition of discovery—with little growth, depth or progress. Unitarians are lifelong learners but are we mentors to the next generation? Are we generous with our knowledge? Are we stingy when it comes to sharing our […]
Janet Pivnick, Tyler Vittie, Audrey Taylor Through the decision to celebrate Canada 150+, Vancouver signalled an intention to make reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples a priority. The CUC has, similarly, made a commitment to embark on a path of reconciliation within congregations. What is reconciliation? Why is it receiving so much attention? Where does […]
Rev. Debra Thorne When our home is unsafe, when our country is unsafe, when our bodies are unsafe, who do we turn to and how do we find a place to belong? Canada is filled with amazing people who have made brave choices in desperate times and who have found a safe harbour in Canada. […]
Return Again to the Place We Belong: A Water Ceremony Rev. Debra Thorne The seasonal wheel turns, summer moves into autumn and we return to Beacon from the many shores, coastlines and pools of summer travel. Each year we reconnect our community in September through the symbol of water, a symbol of travel, or the […]