Mark MacDonald

ARTICLES

What will they say?

Every age has its blind spots. Today, we wonder how earlier generations of Christians could justify their complicity in slavery or the overt racism of

The gospel in the centre

One of the key elements of the spiritual movement that is growing among indigenous peoples across North America is the practice of gospel-based discipleship. On

To the future church

To oversimplify matters, we could say that Christianity’s growth plan over the past few centuries has been, “If you build it, they will come.” That

John Starr’s potlatch

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man

All my relatives

The phrase “You are all my relatives” speaks to the heart of indigenous spirituality. This greeting, used by many First Nations people when they encounter

A church the poor can afford

Older church members often look back at the mid-20th century with a feeling of warm nostalgia. We remember large youth groups, at least three services

True passion

It was an unexpected tragedy. The elderly man was near death from cancer and in the hospital for the last phase of his palliative care.

The hand of David Salmon

Fr. David Salmon, the first Gwich’in Athabaskan to be ordained to the priesthood, was one of the most inspiring people I have ever met. His

A re-enchanted world

We had been going up the mountain in northern Arizona for an hour and a half with a small group of guests from the East

On the Creator

Over the past few decades, I have heard an increasing number of indigenous elders, especially those comfortable with English, use the term “Creator” when speaking

More to come

We have been looking at the prophecy of Joel, a passage that St. Peter used to explain the meaning of the outpouring of the Holy

Ten unexpected prophets

As noted last month, Peter’s use of the prophecy of Joel to interpret the events of Pentecost is highly significant. The big miracle, we are

Dreaming Dreams

And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh; Your sons and

Our sacred trust

Not too long ago, most parents trusted that the values and ethics for leading “the good life” were clear to their children. They trusted that

Seven Sacred Teachings

Indigenous communities across North America are in the midst of a gospel-inspired spiritual renewal. Though there are many significant aspects of this movement, the traditional

Like those who dream

“When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream” (Ps. 126:1). Our awareness of God’s presence often unfolds over time,

They will still be here

My friend Larry and I stood watching as the Arctic sun began its drop behind the seemingly endless ice and snow. It was beautiful. Tikigaq

The voice within

This past month, I received my certificate of Canadian citizenship. It was a moving event that reminded me of all the things my grandmother taught

A spiritual movement

At gatherings of indigenous Anglicans across Canada, there is excitement. It really doesn’t matter what the gathering is for or where it might be held;

Invitation of solemn grace

The name of this column was developed by reflecting on many of the extraordinary events involving indigenous peoples over the past three years. More and

Skip to content