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Winnipeg Free Press
an hour ago
- General
- Winnipeg Free Press
United Church of Canada marks 100 years
Turning 100 is a significant milestone for people — and for denominations. That's what the United Church of Canada did on June 10, this year. It was on that date a century ago that Canadian Methodists, Congregationalists and the Presbyterians came together to form the new denomination. A big reason for the merger was to reduce duplication of effort and resources; so many little towns and villages across the country had multiple churches from different denominations. There was also a desire for greater Christian unity and collaboration. It was a bold move that required each of the three groups to give something up to create the new entity. As Jocelyn Bell, editor of Broadview magazine put it: 'The United Church of Canada would never have existed unless each of the founding denominations agreed to let go of some cherished tradition, some notion of how things ought to be done. And it would never have taken root if each group hadn't believed that diverse approaches to faith strengthen the whole body of Christ.' Until the end of the 1960s, the new denomination enjoyed the fruits of that amalgamation through packed churches and Sunday schools. But by the end of that decade, as the idea of a Christian Canada began to wane and many baby boomers grew up and left the church, things began to shift for the United Church — as it did for other denominations. For the United Church, that meant going from a high of about one million members in the mid-1960s to just over 325,000 today. On any given Sunday, about 110,000 are at a church service. And along with the drop in membership came a wave of church closings. It has averaged about 54 a year of late, according to one estimate. If that rate continues, by 2070 there will be no United Church churches left in Canada. While many get stuck focusing on those grim statistics, it's easy to overlook how the United Church impacted Christianity in this country, paving the way for significant changes. For example, it was a leader when it came to involving women in pastoral ministry, ordaining Lydia Gruchy in 1936. In 1962 it adopted a more compassionate stance on divorce by noting it was sometimes a better choice than remaining unhappily married. It also was a leader in promoting peace when it welcomed U.S. draft dodgers during the Vietnam War. Other ways it showed leadership was by condemning apartheid in South Africa in the 1980s. Also in that decade, it was the first denomination to welcome LGBTTQ+ people into membership and as clergy — a decision that was widely criticized by many other church groups. The United Church was also a leader in responding to the terrible legacy of residential schools; it established a healing fund and, in 1998 and apologized for its role in the schools. The denomination also was a leader in responding to the HIV AIDs crisis, addressing climate change, and was active in ecumenical and interfaith dialogue. In these and other ways, such as addressing social justice issues like poverty, hunger and homelessness, Christians in Canada can be grateful for the United Church, and join it in celebrating its anniversary — and maybe they can also learn something from that denomination's experience 100 years ago. Things are different today than back then, of course; Canada is a much more diverse and secular country. But that same vision for increased cooperation, collaboration and unity may well be worth exploring as denominations and churches struggle with falling attendance and giving. Sundays Kevin Rollason's Sunday newsletter honouring and remembering lives well-lived in Manitoba. Maybe like those pioneers 100 years ago, denominational leaders can ask if we need five churches within 10 minutes driving distance of each other in most Canadian cities and towns. Do we need so many places of worship, seminaries and church-related social assistance and aid organizations? And not only that; do we even need so many denominations? Writing in the Canadian Society of Church History in 2020, Bruce Guenther noted there are over 300 Christian denominations in Canada today. There are historical, cultural and theological reasons for why each one came into being. But at a time when many are struggling to stay afloat, would it make sense to explore more collaboration or even mergers? Some will point to theological stances as a reason for why their denomination is unique or distinct and needs to continue in its present form. But the same objections were raised by some Methodists, Congregationalists and Presbyterians 100 years ago before the United Church was created. But they still did it. They still decided it was worth it to merge, and Canada was forever changed. Who are the new visionaries who will explore new ways to be the church in Canada, just like what happened 100 years ago? Maybe the United Church of Canada can once again lead the way. faith@ The Free Press is committed to covering faith in Manitoba. If you appreciate that coverage, help us do more! Your contribution of $10, $25 or more will allow us to deepen our reporting about faith in the province. Thanks! BECOME A FAITH JOURNALISM SUPPORTER John LonghurstFaith reporter John Longhurst has been writing for Winnipeg's faith pages since 2003. He also writes for Religion News Service in the U.S., and blogs about the media, marketing and communications at Making the News. Read full biography Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
The Herald Scotland
2 hours ago
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
Obamacare Supreme Court decision: What it means for RFK Jr.
The suit started in Texas where two Christian owned business and individuals argued that health insurance plans they buy shouldn't have to cover medical tests and drugs they object to on religious grounds, such as the HIV-prevention drug PrEP. But the legal issue at the heart of the Supreme Court case was whether USPSTF is so powerful that, under the Constitution, its members must be appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote for the 6-3 majority that Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. can remove task force members at will and can review their recommendations before they take effect. "The Task Force members are removable at will by the Secretary of HHS, and their recommendations are reviewable by the Secretary before they take effect," he wrote. "So Task Force members are supervised and directed by the Secretary, who in turn answers to the President preserving the chain of command." The Health and Human Services Secretary has always appointed USPSTF members and ratified their recommendations, said MaryBeth Musumeci, teaching associate professor of health policy and management at George Washington University's Milken Institute School of Public Health. But the ruling expanded on that authority by clarifying that the secretary could also remove members and block recommendations, she said. Given that Kennedy had recently fired all 17 original members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, another expert panel that issues health recommendations, Musumeci said "there is reason to be worried." The secretary has never removed access to preventive services that have been proven to help people stay healthy nor have they "sought to shape the membership of our expert panel in any way," USPSTF chair Dr. Michael Silverstein said in a statement emailed to USA TODAY. "While the HHS Secretary has long had authority over the USPSTF, historically they have only acted to increase access to preventive care, occasionally going beyond the evidence to secure enhanced coverage for preventive services," he said. "Given our shared focus on preventing cancer and chronic disease, we certainly hope that the Secretary will allow our current work to continue unimpeded, as it has thus far." Surprise move? RFK Jr.'s vaccine committee votes to recommend RSV shot for infants Katherine Hempstead, senior policy officer at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, a health nonprofit, praised the SCOTUS decision because it meant that millions of Americans still have access to preventive care such as mental health screenings, cancer screenings, STI testing and important medications. But she also called the ruling both an "ending and a beginning." "It's the ending of the challenge but now it's the beginning of something that's going to unfold where we're going to see someone exercise control over this expert panel that has very strong opinions about... many aspects of medical care," she said. More details: Supreme Court rejects conservative challenge to Obamacare health coverage If Kennedy plans to target USPSTF, it's unclear what preventive services could be at risk, Musumeci said. But insurance companies ultimately have the final decision. Even if the secretary vetoes a new recommendation or revokes an existing one, insurance companies can still decide to cover the preventive service. America's Health Insurance Plans, a trade association representing health insurance companies, plans to closely monitor the ongoing legal process but affirms that the SCOTUS ruling will not impact any existing coverage, according to an emailed statement sent to USA TODAY. Contributing: Maureen Groppe and Bart Jansen, USA TODAY; Reuters. Adrianna Rodriguez can be reached at adrodriguez@
The Journal
10 hours ago
- Politics
- The Journal
Ballymena to host first ever Pride Parade weeks after headline grabbing riots
THE ORGANISER OF the first ever Pride Parade in Ballymena has said he never considered cancelling the event, despite wide-scale rioting in the Co Antrim town earlier this month. Ballymena made headlines around the world after three nights of rioting earlier this month in which over 40 PSNI officers were injured. PSNI said the rioting erupted after a vigil to protest the alleged sexual assault in the town was 'hijacked' by 'racist thuggery'. Curtis Lee, the organiser of the first ever Pride Parade in Ballymena which will take place tomorrow, told The Journal: 'The committee's opinion was that, no matter what, we're going ahead with this because to cancel would be to give into fear. 'The theme of our event is 'love over fear' so to give into fear would have went against everything that Pride stands for.' He added that it 'didn't make any sense to us to cancel it because of the actions of a few individuals' and said that 'a lot of the people that caused damage were actually bused in to Ballymena'. During a visit to Ballymena by The Journal in the aftermath of the rioting, a member of a 'local regeneration group' remarked that there were 'definitely elements of the protest on Monday night that weren't local'. Lee told The Journal that while 'there is definitely racism in the town, to tarnish the whole town with the same brush is unfair'. He added that 'Pride will exist here to present an alternative vision of Ballymena'. Advertisement There will, however, be protests tomorrow from four evangelical Christian groups and Lee said this was something they expected would happen. 'Ballymena is the birthplace of Ian Paisley so it was always to be expected that there was going to be counter protests.' One of the four groups protesting is United Christian Witness, and the other three are local church groups. Lee said he is 'disappointed but not surprised' by the planned protests. Meanwhile, in one social media thread on the upcoming parade, someone commented that as a gay person, they 'couldn't wait to leave Ballymena'. 'I never thought I'd see the day there would be a Pride event there,' they added. Lee said that messages like these are 'the entire reason of why we're doing this'. 'Just that one day of visibility in the town can be life saving,' said Lee. 'I've had messages from parents of young people fearful for child's safety and who struggle with their mental health and they're excluded. 'To give a platform to make them feel welcome and to be seen is so important.' Lee added that he has spoke to many older people who said they never could have imagined that a Pride Parade could take place in Ballymena. Related Reads 'Bricks instead of beer': Stark images from NI photographer tell story of the Ballymena riots I went to talk to people in Ballymena, and was told to make myself 'scarce' or there'd be trouble 'Racist thuggery': How a peaceful vigil in Ballymena turned into anti-immigration violence 'As much as Pride has taken off around the world,' said Lee, 'I think there was always the expectation of, 'oh, that'll never happen here'.' But while there have been many messages of support, Lee acknowledged that some of the responses have taken him by 'surprise' and have been 'incredibly toxic'. Lee said he has been informed of an individual who is 'putting leaflets into local shops and businesses, asking them not to support Pride'. 'He's telling them that if they support pride, he will encourage local Christians to boycott their business.' Lee said many local business owners 'have been fearful of publicly supporting what we're doing'. 'We would never judge any business, because there is some uncertainty of what the response will be and things could escalate, especially after the riots,' said Lee. 'I would never expect any business to put themselves at risk. 'As much as I would like every business in the town to have rainbow flags, I can't expect everyone to scream from the rooftops about it. 'I hope we can get to that place down the line, but with this being our first parade, we expected this.' Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Wales Online
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Wales Online
Archbishop of Wales steps down after report into Bangor cathedral scandal
Archbishop of Wales steps down after report into Bangor cathedral scandal Andrew John's sudden retirement comes after reports into the Bangor diocese raised concerns about excessive drinking and 'sexual behaviour' Archbishop Andy John, the Archbishop of Wales and leader of Church in Wales has announced his retirement. (Image: Church in Wales ) The Archbishop of Wales has announced his immediate retirement. The Most Revd. Andrew John confirmed he also intendeds to retire as the Bishop of Bangor on August 31. His sudden retirement comes in the wake of two reports, commissioned by the Church in Wales over concerns about the culture surrounding the Bangor Diocese. The reports referenced inappropriate behaviour, lack of boundaries, excessive alcohol consumption and "sexual behaviour–that did not reflect the professional standards expected in a Christian church". The Church in Wales and the bench of bishops expressed their gratitude to Archbishop John,. in the wake of today's announcement. The Archbishop said: "It has been an enormous joy to serve in the Church in Wales for over 35 years. I cannot thank you enough for the privilege of working at your side for the sake of our Saviour Jesus Christ." Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here He added: "I would very much like to thank the clergy and congregations of this wonderful diocese before I retire and I will be in touch again about the way in which this might happen. Article continues below "Thank you, and Christ give you joy and peace in believing." The Bishop of St Asaph, the Rt Rev'd Gregory Cameron, Senior Bishop of the Church in Wales, spoke on behalf of the Bench of Bishops in a statement about the Archbishop's retirement. He said: "As Archbishop Andrew announces his retirement today as Archbishop of Wales and his forthcoming retirement as Bishop of Bangor, the Bench of Bishops of the Church in Wales wish to express our heartfelt thanks for his service to the Church during his ministry. "Andy has dedicated thirty-six years of his life to ordained ministry in the Church in Wales, and has served with commitment and energy to proclaim the Christian Gospel and draw people to deeper faith in Jesus Christ. "He has given so much for the good of the Church in Wales. He now lays down his considerable responsibilities in the same spirit in which he has served for these decades. "We offer most sincere thanks, and our commitment to hold him and his family in prayer at this time and in the days ahead." The Chair of the Representative Body of the Church in Wales, Professor Medwin Hughes also shared his gratitude to Archbishop Andrew. He said: " As Archbishop Andrew retires from his duties, I wish to thank him on behalf of The Representative Body of the Church in Wales for his hard work, commitment and vision during his time as Archbishop of Wales and Bishop of Bangor. "The Archbishop has led the Church through a time of immense change and challenge. Throughout his time in post, has shown his deeply felt concern for the welfare, not just of the Church itself, but of our society and the world as a whole. "I know that everyone who has worked with The Archbishop during his ministry will have been touched by his pastoral care and his profound dedication to improving the life of the Church in Wales and of the wider community. Article continues below "As he now passes that work to other hands, I want to place on record my sincere gratitude for all he has achieved, together with my admiration for the integrity of his ministry to the people of Wales. All members of the Representative Body will continue to hold The Archbishop and his family in our prayers."
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Supreme Court rejects conservative challenge to Obamacare health coverage
WASHINGTON − The Supreme Court on June 27 rejected the latest conservative challenge to the 2010 Affordable Care Act, an attack on free access to cancer screenings, drugs that prevent HIV, cholesterol-lowering medication and other preventive health care services. Two Christian-owned businesses and some people in Texas argued that the experts recommending some of the services health insurance must cover are so powerful that they must be appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court disagreed, meaning a task force proposing these Obamacare services can continue to do so. But their ruling could give more power to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to decide which services must be available without copays or deductibles. "While today's ruling allows many Americans to breathe a sigh of relief, coverage for this vital care remains at risk," Zachary Baron and Andrew Twinamatsiko, directors of the Center for Health Policy and the Law, said in a statement. "All eyes will turn to the Trump administration to see if Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. directs the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force to revisit or issue new recommendations that could erode access to preventive care.' The benefit is one of the most popular provisions of the Affordable Care Act − commonly referred to as Obamacare − which has largely survived more than 2,000 lawsuits and multiple trips to the Supreme Court. The latest challenge came from Texans who objected to the requirement that insurers cover the HIV-prevention drug PrEP. They raised religious objections to the drug, saying it encourages same-sex relationships. A federal judge ruled the Christian businesses do not have to include PrEP in their insurance plans. But the judge also said the makeup of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which recommended coverage of PrEP and other preventive services, violates the Constitution's appointments clause. The clause requires presidential appointment and Senate confirmation for officials in significant positions of authority – such as cabinet secretaries and other top agency officials. The Justice Department – both under the Biden and Trump administrations – fought back. The government argued it's the Health and Human Services secretary, and not the task force, that has the 'ultimate responsibility' for whether the experts' recommendations become final. The secretary can fire task force members, review their recommendations and prevent recommendations from taking effect, the Justice Department said during April's oral arguments. The attorney for the Christian businesses said the secretary doesn't have complete control over the task force. Under the law, he noted, tasks force members are supposed to be 'independent and, to the extent practicable, not subject to political pressure.' The government said that independence requirement merely means the task force is supposed to make recommendations based on their impartial medical and public-health judgments. The task force typically updates its recommendations every five years to account for medical advances or reflect new evidence of risk. For example, in 2021, the task force extended recommendations for colon cancer screening to people 45 and older, instead of 50 and up, because of increased diagnoses in younger people. Other services recommended since the ACA was passed include medications like statins to prevent heart disease, lung cancer screenings for certain adults, physical therapy for older people at risk of falling, and testing for hepatitis. Before Obamacare, Americans used preventive services at only about half the recommended rate, according to the federal government. Other services, such as vaccines, that are recommended by different experts, are in dispute under another aspect of the case that is still in the lower courts. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Supreme Court rejects conservative challenge to Obamacare
