Features
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In Ottawa, Parkdale United Church Orchestra's passion for the classics keeps a vanishing tradition alive
By Samantha Rideout December 2010
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The close bond between an imam and a minister makes Christmas more real and more miraculous
By Mardi Tindal December 2010
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Palestinians are trying to profit from Holy Land tourism. But they face formidable challenges.
By David Wilson December 2010
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Scientists, activists and politicians agree that generic drugs can slow or stop the global spread of HIV-AIDS. So why haven't they been made more accessible?
By Kevin Spurgaitis December 2010
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Six contemporary thinkers reveal a surprising range of non-traditional views in the United Church today
By Various Writers November 2010
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After 20 years of relative peace, activists on both sides of the abortion debate are mobilizing for a new battle that threatens to reopen bitter ethical divisions
By Kevin Spurgaitis November 2010
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Research into near-death experiences sheds new light on the possibility of an afterlife. Will neuroscience prove what religion has claimed all along?
By Alanna Mitchell November 2010
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Green pioneers are showing it’s possible to connect with creation by disconnecting from the grid. All it takes is a little sacrifice and savvy.
By Vidya Kauri November 2010
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Churches created by new Canadians are booming, differing dramatically from mainline denominations on the decline
By Samantha Rideout October 2010
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Sensible people do not name the chickens they will eat. But I knew it was her as soon as I pulled the bag out of the freezer. And I knew just because my heart told me: Gimpy.
By Therese DesCamp October 2010
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New Canadians are planting churches at an astonishing rate. Can declining mainstream denominations take any cues from them?
By Samantha Rideout October 2010
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Becoming an elder is not just about reaching a certain age. It’s also about embracing new perceptions of yourself and your community.
By Donna Sinclair October 2010
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Youth and young adults portfolio is among the positions cut
By Mike Milne September 2010
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Last winter's earthquake changed Haiti forever. It also left an indelible mark on four writers who witnessed the disaster and its aftermath.
By Various Writers September 2010
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Donors often wonder how much of their money goes directly to the causes they support. But that may not be the question to ask.
By Trisha Elliott September 2010
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Philanthro-capitalists are putting their money where their morals are, using cash and clout to redefine the meaning of good business
By Kevin Spurgaitis September 2010
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A new Muslim studies program at the United Church's largest seminary pushes the envelope of theological education
By Drew Halfnight September 2010
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By Observer Staff July 2010
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The Observer's 2010 reader survey results reveal why ministers have their work cut out for them
By Observer Staff July 2010
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Most of the pressure to perform comes from ministers themselves
By Patricia Clarke July 2010
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Where will the church be in years to come? Depends who you ask.
By Mike Milne July 2010
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There’s no doubt about it. We need preachers in pulpits. But whose job is it to pull them in?
By Richard Wright July 2010
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Educated, ordained and caring: Are the ministers we want the ministers we’ve got?
By Kylie Taggart July 2010
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Twelve years ago, the author felt excluded at church because of her cerebral palsy. By speaking out, she helped her church become more accessible for all.
By Miriam Spies July 2010
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Casinos bring much-needed jobs and revenue to First Nations communities, but can also exacerbate social problems. Do the wins outweigh the losses?
By Richard Wright July 2010
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Researchers scour church archives to find records of students who died at Indian residential schools
By Mike Milne July 2010
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Three years ago, a monster storm flattened a small town in Tornado Alley. Instead of reconstructing what was lost, townsfolk seized the opportunity to build the greenest community in North America.
By Kevin Spurgaitis June 2010
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Brown-bag your lunch, shop second-hand and discover the joys of a simpler lifestyle
By Anne Bokma June 2010
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Three years after being destroyed by a monster tornado, a small town in rural Kansas is setting a global standard for sustainable living.
By Kevin Spurgaitis June 2010
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Times have changed since Alcoholics Anonymous was formed 75 years ago. While surrendering to a higher power remains part of its official creed, AA insists it is not religious.
By Jasmine Budak June 2010
