A Review
“Exploring the Elements” three months later – by the Rev. R. J. (Bob) Thompson, Wakaw, SK
(Bob is a retired minister and Winn a retired Director of Communications for the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan)
Some memories go quickly to the trash bin, others remain clear and useful. Winn and I attended “explore the elements”, billed as a conference on the Elements of Progressive Christianity. As members and supporters of the Canadian Centre for Progressive Christianity we decided to attend shortly after the first promotional material appeared. Attendees were invited to hear progressive movement leaders, share insightful workshops, enjoy opportunities for frank debate and journeys beyond religious dogma. All promises were fulfilled but the biggest benefit was not on the printed program.
Many on the “progressive pilgrimage” find it a lonely journey unless fortunate enough to be accompanied. Sometimes colleagues view us as malcontents at best and subversives at worst. Initially those in the forefront of the affirming movement felt similarly labeled, many still do.
The elements conference provided a real opportunity to be “not alone”. In Toronto, in October, we met old friends and made new ones. It is one thing to know there are other pilgrims on the same road; it is another to actually spend a few days together. A church sign-board near the conference centre put it well, quoting the famous Anonymous, “unanswered questions are less dangerous than unquestioned answers”. Even visits with Cirque d’soleil and the Raptors seemed modestly spiritual that weekend.
In correspondence I recently described conference participants this way, “…an interfaith and inter-denominational group with almost every part of the country and every faith stance represented; including ordered ministers and lay leaders from a variety of denominations. A number of us were United Church. We rubbed shoulders, discussed with and even worshipped elbow to elbow with avowed atheists, non-theists like ourselves, agnostics and enquirers.”
Gretta Vosper prompted re-thinking of faith questions as did Scott Campbell; while Scott Kearns demonstrated ways for words and music to impact liturgy. Not one of the workshops that we attended was disappointing, some just more personally applicable. It was interesting to have Deb Ellis point out that “Progressive Personalities” come in many forms, and for Deborah Murray and Marianne Williams to share with us reflections on how smaller rural congregations experiment and change. Dana Wilson-Li’s discussion of Congregational Hiccups was helpful, even for those of us not currently involved with congregations in progressive transition. The number of volunteers and participants from West Hill United was impressive. My Unitarian friends would have been impressed by how well Felicia Urbanski represented their commonalities and diversities. I was particularly taken with the Unitarians’ answer to Diaspora, i.e. The Church of the Larger Fellowship. Those of us without a nearby congregation of the progressive persuasion would welcome such a function through our denomination or group like CCPC.
Everyone at the conference was at a different place on the pilgrimage. Some were there for personal and individual reasons, others leading congregations just moving in progressive directions, still others from fellowships well on the way, for some it was repetition of a familiar experience, for others a first. Regardless, I think we all recognized that whether old-timers or new an opportunity to mingle with fellow pilgrims and enquirers even if only for a couple of days, “priceless”.
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Toronto, October 16 to 18, 2009
Progressive Christianity is a growing community of individuals eagerly seeking fresh ways to speak about and celebrate core values.
Exploring the Elements is a conference for anyone who has questions about how Christianity is embodied in the world today. Spiritual seekers will gather in Toronto on October 16th, 17th, and 18th at the Don Valley Crowne Plaza to:
• engage in presentations from progressive movement leaders
• share in insightful workshops
• enjoy the freedom of expressing themselves openly and honestly
• extend their spiritual journeys far beyond religious dogma
Registering for our third conference is easy. Simply tell us about yourself on the registration form, indicate your workshop preferences, and enjoy the early bird discount available by paying via PayPal or credit card. Don’t delay.
We are always happy to respond to you. Use the Contact Us tab above or call:
866 796-5973 or, in Toronto, 416 410-5973.
The Canadian Centre for Progressive Christianity is a leader in questioning religious dogma, concepts, and practices. This is the third conference we have organised to help those with questions and concerns about Christianity to meet and discuss important issues. Drawing a number of exceptional voices and experts together creates the opportunity for in-depth discussions and lively debates in a safe and yet rigorous venue. Beliefs will be examined in the light of critical contemporary scholarship. New ideas and innovative approaches to help Christianity progress into an enlightened age will be at the forefront.
This is a welcome opportunity for those inside and outside the church who wish to engage in rich conversation about these core values. Those isolated in either small communities with few choices available to them or large conservative congregations will find the leadership and gathered community suppportive and inspirational. Leaders determined to guide congregations toward a more dynamic involvement with their chosen religion will be accompanied past many of the pitfalls of progressive change. Individuals outside traditional Christianity who yearn for community will find opportunities to engage in those larger conversations that too often don’t take place in church or social gatherings. This Conference offers the opportunity for open discussion, joyous learning, and the straight goods on what Christianity could be as a living force in each individual and every community.
