Jasper’s church leaders reflect on their sense of devastation and loss in the wake of the wildfires — and on what gives them hope
Author Archives: John Longhurst
John Longhurst is a freelance religion and development aid reporter and columnist for the Winnipeg Free Press. He has been involved in journalism and communications for over 40 years, including as president of Canadian Church Press. In 2021, he received the Manitoba Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Inter-Religious Understanding for his work at the Free Press. In 2024, he was named a member of the Order of Canada.
Posted inReligion
‘Hypocritical, oppressive’: Young Canadians hold negative views of religion
Many younger Canadians view religion negatively, a new study has found. They see it as as anti-modern, conservative, American and colonial
Posted inReligion
New institute to boost understanding of religion in Canada
Two Canadian universities have launched an institute to study religion in Canada, so Canadians are not ‘so influenced by news from the US’
Posted inReligion
Liberals’ response to Israel-Gaza conflict puts off religious voters: poll
A new poll shows low support for the Liberals among religious voters, including two groups they’ve traditionally counted on — Muslims and Jews
Posted inReligion
Online harms bill fosters fears it will limit religious expression
Religious groups have praised the Online Harms Act but are worried it could provide a vehicle for complaints against the expression of religious beliefs
Posted inReligion
Premier Kinew initiates review of legislature’s opening prayer
Premier Kinew is inviting Manitobans to weigh in on replacing the legislature’s opening Christian prayer with a more representative and inclusive one
Posted inCommunity
Majority of Canadians still believe in an afterlife, survey finds
Belief in an afterlife is one of the only surveyed beliefs that has remained pretty stable over time and across generations
Posted inReligion
Is Good Friday discriminatory?
The Good Friday statutory holiday raises a question: should non-Christians be accommodated to celebrate their special holy days?
Posted inReligion
‘Money that is owing’: Churches pay reparations to Indigenous groups
Some churches have started paying a portion of their budgets to Indigenous groups as reparations for past wrongs
Posted inReligion
War tax resistance: Conscientious objectors divert their taxes
At tax season, some Canadians who object to Canada’s military spending engage in war tax resistance, directing some of their taxes elsewhere