The Table: December 2025

Tuesday, December 30, 2025

David

I watched David in the theatre today. It was okay. This missed a lot of the story. Kids might like it because of all the goofy looking cartoon goats.

Am I ready for the whale to eat me and take me where I need to go?

The picture in the last post has to be copied and pasted or downloaded to view. And, I wondered if I'd like switching to the Syriac Christian Church in Kitchener; but, they're Arab and might also be pro Hamas and that wouldn't work for me. I've often fantasized about hosting an Arab Christian or Syrian Christian family in my home; but, there's a lot of red tape. Because, they have an awful time over there, Christians.

Anyway, I was chanting Psalm 144 this morning, as I snuck into the Church to pray The Office. And, all I kept thinking about was jihad. It was practically jumping right off the page and slapping me in the face. Because, the Quran says that they can lie if they need to in Surah 3:28.

144 y'all

Am I at the end, at long last? May God lead me to my next Church.

Orthodoxy may be too much like Roman Catholicism. I can't pray to saints. Where do I go from here? I can't stay in a Church that thinks that I'm evil, that Jews are evil, that Capitalists are evil, that Republicans are evil, that men are evil, that White people are evil, that conservatives are evil, traditional Bible believing Christians are evil, that gun owners are evil, that free speech advocates are evil, that colour blind racists are evil, that the fiscally responsible are evil, that those advocating personal responsibility are evil, that those who prize liberty are evil. I don't fit in that environment. That can't be home. God, why am I here now and what purpose does it serve? Lead me please, away if it is thy will, to a new home for worship.

It has brought me back sharply to the question again, "Do I belong here," in the ACC?

Sunday's sermon has sent me spiraling. I have to pull myself out of a tailspin.
It is emotional, draining, spiritually and mentally damaging, and I hate that liberals are so blind to the facts--feeling over fact--and that they bring their politics into the Church. How can they be so blind? Melanie Phillips has one explanation (see links below).

https://www.minds.com/wramier/?query=%2523gaza

https://www.minds.com/wramier/?query=israel

I support Israel, a democratic state in a part of the world were they are surrounded by an opposing faith, where they are the minority in the region, and where a significant minority of those who surround them--fostered by the complacency of those who are moderate--want to exterminate the race of the Jews. ...push them into the sea. It is significant to point out there there has never been a nation called Palestine. Why is Egypt not taking Palestinian refugees, rather building a wall? Why can't the Arab world take the refugees? They can get out through Egypt, if the Arabs and Persian Muslims would help Egypt.

Where's Daryl Davis when you need him!

This map is an extreme oversimplification in hubris that does maybe more harm than good. But, it's all just so damn infuriating.

Sunday, December 28, 2025

Thy Will Be Done

Today, I heard probably the most liberal sermon I've heard in an Anglican Church yet. I have written much about my parish in my blog here. But, I have not kept you up to date. So, I will do that now.

Our Vicar Allie, who is now on maternity leave, healed an old wound when she asked me to sit as a Warden for my parish. She said I had integrity; can you believe that? I will be the last Warden; as, I was brought in to close the parish. We just simply can no longer pay the bills. Even through this, and for years, I have maintained that I do not belong here. My views are very much opposed to the ACC's and those of our own Diocese, from Feminism and Socialism to Civil Disarmament and Critical Race Theory. And, when the Church fragmented over the blessing of same sex unions in the early 2000s, the other conservatives abandoned me to a Church was was not just liberal, but liberalizing. (Find me a conservative clergyman fresh out of seminary, and I will recant). Hence the fact that, I always write, "Building Fund Only," on my offering envelopes. To her credit, Allie was one of few who welcomed me and bridged that gap, making it easier to come to Church. I'm so angry that she is leaving us. Often, I have asked God why He has me here and for what purpose I have been planted in this place. Was it simply to close the parish? Maybe. If only Nixon could go to China, maybe a Psalm 69:9 Christian needed to be the last Warden. I'm losing my thin place.

So, today's sermon, by our young female Curate was so far left, I couldn't even be angry. I just tuned out and switched off some time after the Holy Family being called brown refugees and the labeling of Israel as dictatorial and colonial. I was reminded of 1 Corinthians 9:22. It's why I could never be a priest. ...and why many should not be. Today, for the first time in a very very long time, I thought of that little Anglican Church, St. Barnabas Mission, and the ANIC. ...of those conservatives who abandoned me, so long ago.

I remember when Vivian Jarvis, God rest her soul, and I used to have long talks on Friday mornings at the food bank, as I sat in her office and we talked faith, Alpha, Crisio, AFP conference happenings, JI Packard, Spiritual Warfare, and so much more. I remember when she told me that the issue causing the schism was not gay marriage, but liberalizing of core tenets of the faith. I remember thinking that, that was just a cop-out, as the central issue *was* gay marriage. ...and I thought this in my "hate the sin love the sinner" days. I agreed, tongue in cheek, "of course," but didn't believe it. Now, in retrospect, I understand. Same sex unions were the tip of an iceburg, a symptom and not a disease. (For clarity, my journey on that issue is long, and I am at peace with and accept the blessing of same sex unions). But, Vivian was right. There were bigger issues hidden there. Sola Fide and the idea of Jesus being the only way to the Father is being challenged today with pluralism. Gaia worship is being brought into the temple as an Abomination of Desolation. Socialism has replaced personal responsibility. C.S. Lewis' Historical Jesus is invoked and Screwtape's advice to his nephew to use faith and Church as a vehicle to achieve an end is happening, for all kinds of *good* causes. NT Wright's paved over ground is springing up water spouts of uncontested Islam, due to years of Church complacency while trying to bend and become culturally relevant. As people look for that spring water, Islam will fill their need. The Church is no longer significant or relevant. We don't even teach apologetics. I'm the most calm I've ever been, for being the most upset I've been in a very long time. So God, where do I go next? I will watch for Your signs. Lead me. Thy will be done.

Regards,

☦ Pax Vobis ☪✡