“For those of us who want to see democracy survive and thrive—and we are legion—the heart is where everything begins.” So writes Parker Palmer in his new book, Healing the Heart of Democracy.

This sounds to me like a call to spiritual practice, something the church offers in community. Representing The United Church of Canada at Jack Layton’s funeral last Saturday reminded me of how important this is.

I have lost track of the number of pastoral calls, notes, and letters on top of visits made on your behalf as the people of The United Church of Canada to those affected by so-called natural disasters over the past two years.

Today’s conversation with Gwen Nicol-Macdonald (serving North Street United in Goderich, Ontario, with her spouse, Roy) brings yet another expression of gratitude to you for your prayers. Gwen is eloquent about what is happening in her community not only physically but also spiritually. She paints a compelling picture, as seen through her comments:

Today marks the 25th anniversary of the first apology offered to Canada’s First Peoples by The United Church of Canada. No, we’re not “there yet” because we’re still on the long journey toward seeing our apologies fulfilled in actions and in truth, healing, reconciliation, and right relations. It’s why we take opportunities to participate in the work of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission as well our own Right Relations work.

My favourite new word is ecotone. I discovered it when preparing my sermon for the national Worship Matters event that took place in Toronto in June.

I’ve been excited by recent conversations with friends and colleagues about how we see Spirit moving powerfully throughout The United Church of Canada these days. (Pentecost seemed to come early this year!) In her book The Great Emergence: How Christianity Is Changing and Why, Phyllis Tickle suggests that the best way to describe “the emerging church” is with the word “conversation.”

There aren't many news outlets with religious writers these days, so I'm grateful that the National Post has Charles Lewis on staff to shed light on the religious life and experiences of Canadians. I appreciate particularly that Charles seems intrigued by The United Church of Canada.

Intrigued but also seemingly puzzled by a church that refuses to enforce a single “orthodox” point of view. In his eyes, I suspect, we appear to be going out of our way to raise questions that ought not to be raised, or provoke arguments that should be nipped in the bud.

Over the past 12 hours I have been in phone and e-mail conversations with Del Sexsmith, the President of the Conference of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario; Faye Ford, the President of Saskatchewan Conference; and Craig Miller, who serves Oak Lake Pastoral Charge in Manitoba.

I am learning a great deal about the multiple layers of crisis people are facing in the areas affected by the flooding—flooding unlike anything seen there for over 300 years.

 Please check out Moderator Mardi Tindal's terrific editorial in today's Toronto Star. 

Christ is risen! Easter greetings from The United Church of Canada Moderator Mardi Tindal from the Mount of Olives, overlooking the old city of Jerusalem.