John Longhurst, C.M.
@jdl56.bsky.social
Religion reporter & columnist, Winnipeg Free Press. Author of Can Robots Love God and be Saved: A Journalist Reports on Faith.
Are You Dead? The app is designed for people in that country who live alone, and who don’t have anyone to check on them regularly. With so many living alone in Canada, it might be useful here. Or maybe we already have an app for that: Places of worship. onfaithcanada.blogspot.com/2026/02/are-...
Are you dead? Popular app in China serves people who live alone, but maybe we already have an "app" for that here in places of worship
Are You Dead? That’s the name of the most popular paid app in China, according to the BBC. The app is designed for the estimated 200 mil...
onfaithcanada.blogspot.com
February 2, 2026 at 5:27 PM
Are You Dead? The app is designed for people in that country who live alone, and who don’t have anyone to check on them regularly. With so many living alone in Canada, it might be useful here. Or maybe we already have an app for that: Places of worship. onfaithcanada.blogspot.com/2026/02/are-...
The news cycle is nuts. Who can keep up? No sooner is there one major story than it is replaced by another—and so on. Soon, we don’t remember the item that made us angry or upset. Like when Israel suspended aid groups from working in Gaza.
whocaresaboutforeignaid.blogspot.com/2026/01/cana...
whocaresaboutforeignaid.blogspot.com/2026/01/cana...
Canadian aid organizations respond to Israel’s Gaza aid suspensions
The news cycle these days is nuts. Who can keep up? No sooner is there one major breaking story than it is replaced a day later by another...
whocaresaboutforeignaid.blogspot.com
January 22, 2026 at 2:09 AM
The news cycle is nuts. Who can keep up? No sooner is there one major story than it is replaced by another—and so on. Soon, we don’t remember the item that made us angry or upset. Like when Israel suspended aid groups from working in Gaza.
whocaresaboutforeignaid.blogspot.com/2026/01/cana...
whocaresaboutforeignaid.blogspot.com/2026/01/cana...
What are some American church leaders saying about the current situation in that country?
onfaithcanada.blogspot.com/2026/01/get-...
onfaithcanada.blogspot.com/2026/01/get-...
Get your wills ready to defend immigrants and other vulnerable people: American Episcopal bishop to clergy
I was talking to an American friend who, like me, is appalled by the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapo...
onfaithcanada.blogspot.com
January 19, 2026 at 8:18 PM
What are some American church leaders saying about the current situation in that country?
onfaithcanada.blogspot.com/2026/01/get-...
onfaithcanada.blogspot.com/2026/01/get-...
Amidst all the unpeace today, peaceful scenes from Bunn’s Creek In Manitoba.
January 3, 2026 at 9:17 PM
Amidst all the unpeace today, peaceful scenes from Bunn’s Creek In Manitoba.
News about the Canadian government and religion (the kind that doesn't fit the anti-religion narrative). About how StatsCan is moving up the date to ask about religious affiliation and Public Health reaching out to faith groups about measles. onfaithcanada.blogspot.com/2025/12/news...
News about the Canadian government and religion (the kind that doesn't fit the anti-religion narrative)
We live at a time when some people of faith (mostly conservative Christians) view the current government as anti-religion for various reason...
onfaithcanada.blogspot.com
December 30, 2025 at 10:05 PM
News about the Canadian government and religion (the kind that doesn't fit the anti-religion narrative). About how StatsCan is moving up the date to ask about religious affiliation and Public Health reaching out to faith groups about measles. onfaithcanada.blogspot.com/2025/12/news...
Christian, Muslim and Jewish organizations are responding to a proposal to eliminate a religious exemption to Canada’s federal hate crimes legislation. www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/12/09/f...
Faith leaders warn of 'chill' if Ottawa reworks hate laws
Religious organizations urge Ottawa to consult them before redefining the limits of protected expression for religious groups
www.canadianaffairs.news
December 9, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Christian, Muslim and Jewish organizations are responding to a proposal to eliminate a religious exemption to Canada’s federal hate crimes legislation. www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/12/09/f...
When Dan & Emily Coyne attend Sunday services at their church in Evanston, Il, they bring their Bibles and whistles.
The Bibles are so they can follow along with sermons. The whistles are so they can warn their neighbors if ICE agents are in the area.
onfaithcanada.blogspot.com/2025/12/fait...
The Bibles are so they can follow along with sermons. The whistles are so they can warn their neighbors if ICE agents are in the area.
onfaithcanada.blogspot.com/2025/12/fait...
Faithful whistleblowers resist ICE in the U.S.
When Dan and Emily Coyne attend Sunday services at their church in Evanston, Il, they bring their Bibles — and their whistles. The Bible...
onfaithcanada.blogspot.com
December 1, 2025 at 10:20 PM
When Dan & Emily Coyne attend Sunday services at their church in Evanston, Il, they bring their Bibles and whistles.
The Bibles are so they can follow along with sermons. The whistles are so they can warn their neighbors if ICE agents are in the area.
onfaithcanada.blogspot.com/2025/12/fait...
The Bibles are so they can follow along with sermons. The whistles are so they can warn their neighbors if ICE agents are in the area.
onfaithcanada.blogspot.com/2025/12/fait...
It’s called the House of the Risen Son, but everyone in Winnipeg calls it the “Biker Church.” According to one member, "It’s for people who don’t fit into a normal Sunday morning scene." onfaithcanada.blogspot.com/2025/11/bike...
Biker church in Winnipeg for those "who don’t fit into a normal Sunday morning scene”
It’s called the House of the Risen Son, but everyone in Winnipeg calls it the “Biker church.” It’s for people who don’t fit into a normal S...
onfaithcanada.blogspot.com
November 24, 2025 at 7:09 PM
It’s called the House of the Risen Son, but everyone in Winnipeg calls it the “Biker Church.” According to one member, "It’s for people who don’t fit into a normal Sunday morning scene." onfaithcanada.blogspot.com/2025/11/bike...
As Canada's Global Affairs ponders the future of international assistance during a time of shrinking budgets, Nicolas Moyer, CEO of Cuso International, has some thoughts about how it can do better. whocaresaboutforeignaid.blogspot.com/2025/11/a-fr...
A friendly letter to Global Affairs after the budget cuts
As Global Affairs ponders the future of international assistance during a time of shrinking budgets, Nicolas Moyer, CEO of Cuso Internationa...
whocaresaboutforeignaid.blogspot.com
November 23, 2025 at 8:39 PM
As Canada's Global Affairs ponders the future of international assistance during a time of shrinking budgets, Nicolas Moyer, CEO of Cuso International, has some thoughts about how it can do better. whocaresaboutforeignaid.blogspot.com/2025/11/a-fr...
Serving Soup with dignity on the side: People with disabilities find meaningful employment through the Raw Carrot. “It’s great to get out, have work and be productive,” said Kieran Schellenberg, adding that having a job also aids with self-esteem. onfaithcanada.blogspot.com/2025/11/serv...
Serving Soup with dignity on the side: People with disabilities find meaningful employment through the Raw Carrot
Kieran Schellenberg wasn’t just stirring soup at the launch of the Raw Carrot on Thursday — he was mixing up hope and purpose. “It’s dif...
onfaithcanada.blogspot.com
November 21, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Serving Soup with dignity on the side: People with disabilities find meaningful employment through the Raw Carrot. “It’s great to get out, have work and be productive,” said Kieran Schellenberg, adding that having a job also aids with self-esteem. onfaithcanada.blogspot.com/2025/11/serv...
60 years ago, Pierre Berton’s book The Comfortable Pew was published. It received widespread media attention. That would be hard to imagine today--except at the Winnipeg Free Press, the only media outlet in Canada with a dedicated faith beat. onfaithcanada.blogspot.com/2025/11/the-...
The Comfortable Pew 60 years later, and a chance to support religion journalism at the Winnipeg Free Press
Sixty years ago, Pierre Berton’s book The Comfortable Pew: A Critical Look at Christianity and the Religious Establishment in the New Age ,...
onfaithcanada.blogspot.com
November 18, 2025 at 9:57 PM
60 years ago, Pierre Berton’s book The Comfortable Pew was published. It received widespread media attention. That would be hard to imagine today--except at the Winnipeg Free Press, the only media outlet in Canada with a dedicated faith beat. onfaithcanada.blogspot.com/2025/11/the-...
Canadian aid groups are expressing concern with the federal government’s decision to cut the country’s foreign aid budget. But they also note that aid can support Canada’s overall trade and investment strategy. whocaresaboutforeignaid.blogspot.com/2025/11/cana... @cdnaffairs.bsky.social
Canadian relief and development organizations express concern about aid cuts, see opportunity in government's trade agenda
Canadian relief and development organizations are expressing concern and disappointment with the federal government’s decision to cut the co...
whocaresaboutforeignaid.blogspot.com
November 16, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Canadian aid groups are expressing concern with the federal government’s decision to cut the country’s foreign aid budget. But they also note that aid can support Canada’s overall trade and investment strategy. whocaresaboutforeignaid.blogspot.com/2025/11/cana... @cdnaffairs.bsky.social
I decided to wait a day to post some northern lights pictures.
November 15, 2025 at 4:29 AM
I decided to wait a day to post some northern lights pictures.
“Budgets are moral documents.” That quote is attributed to Martin Luther King Jr. King never said that exact phrase. But it is in keeping with his general philosophy that how governments choose to spend money reveals their moral character. onfaithcanada.blogspot.com/2025/11/if-g...
If government budgets are moral documents, what do various religious traditions have to say about them?
“Budgets are moral documents.” That quote is attributed to Martin Luther King Jr. In fact, King never said that exact phrase. But it is in k...
onfaithcanada.blogspot.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:48 PM
“Budgets are moral documents.” That quote is attributed to Martin Luther King Jr. King never said that exact phrase. But it is in keeping with his general philosophy that how governments choose to spend money reveals their moral character. onfaithcanada.blogspot.com/2025/11/if-g...
Canadian churches and religious groups can relax. The federal government is not going to take away their ability to issue tax receipts for donations. Not that it ever was. But, you know, misinformation is so much more fun to share.
onfaithcanada.blogspot.com/2025/11/ever...
onfaithcanada.blogspot.com/2025/11/ever...
Everyone can relax now; the Canadian government is not going to stop churches from issuing tax receipts
Everyone can relax now; the federal government is not planning to remove the charitable tax status for churches and other religious groups. ...
onfaithcanada.blogspot.com
November 3, 2025 at 7:53 PM
Canadian churches and religious groups can relax. The federal government is not going to take away their ability to issue tax receipts for donations. Not that it ever was. But, you know, misinformation is so much more fun to share.
onfaithcanada.blogspot.com/2025/11/ever...
onfaithcanada.blogspot.com/2025/11/ever...
During his career as foreign correspondent, Brian Stewart kept bumping into religion. He writes about that in his new book, and speaks about it in my interview with him for the @winnipegfreepress.com
onfaithcanada.blogspot.com/2025/10/on-g...
onfaithcanada.blogspot.com/2025/10/on-g...
On the Ground: Brian Stewart on his time as a foreign correspondent with the CBC, the important role religion played in his reporting
During his time as a foreign correspondent and senior reporter with the CBC from the 1980s to early 2000s, Brian Stewart interviewed world...
onfaithcanada.blogspot.com
October 28, 2025 at 10:34 PM
During his career as foreign correspondent, Brian Stewart kept bumping into religion. He writes about that in his new book, and speaks about it in my interview with him for the @winnipegfreepress.com
onfaithcanada.blogspot.com/2025/10/on-g...
onfaithcanada.blogspot.com/2025/10/on-g...
When psychologist Hillary McBride encountered clients from religious backgrounds who had been hurt by their churches, she found their challenges didn’t fit into standard psychological categories. So she wrote a book about it, called Holy Hurt.
onfaithcanada.blogspot.com/2025/10/holy...
onfaithcanada.blogspot.com/2025/10/holy...
Holy Hurt: New book aims to help those who have experienced spiritual trauma, alert faith leaders to its reality
When psychologist Hillary McBride encountered clients from religious backgrounds who had been hurt by their churches, she found their chal...
onfaithcanada.blogspot.com
October 14, 2025 at 2:23 PM
When psychologist Hillary McBride encountered clients from religious backgrounds who had been hurt by their churches, she found their challenges didn’t fit into standard psychological categories. So she wrote a book about it, called Holy Hurt.
onfaithcanada.blogspot.com/2025/10/holy...
onfaithcanada.blogspot.com/2025/10/holy...
In a polarized world, where many may feel lonely and isolated, Paul Jenkinson has a message: “You are not alone. I will listen.” That’s what it says on a sign the retired social worker plunks down in public spaces during his cross-country listening tour. onfaithcanada.blogspot.com/2025/10/you-...
‘You are not alone’: retired social worker takes time to listen during cross-Canada tour
In a polarized and divided world, where many may feel lonely and isolated, Paul Jenkinson has a message: “You are not alone. I will listen.”...
onfaithcanada.blogspot.com
October 3, 2025 at 6:25 PM
In a polarized world, where many may feel lonely and isolated, Paul Jenkinson has a message: “You are not alone. I will listen.” That’s what it says on a sign the retired social worker plunks down in public spaces during his cross-country listening tour. onfaithcanada.blogspot.com/2025/10/you-...
Uncertain times. But sunsets.
October 1, 2025 at 2:08 AM
Uncertain times. But sunsets.
If you want to understand what's happening in the U.S. today, you need to know about the Seven Mountains Mandate, the belief by some evangelicals that Christians should dominate the seven pillars of society, including the government. onfaithcanada.blogspot.com/2025/09/if-y...
If you want to understand what is happening in America, you need to know about the Seven Mountains Mandate
If you want to understand many things happening in the world today, you need to check out the religion angle. This is especially true in the...
onfaithcanada.blogspot.com
September 29, 2025 at 8:29 PM
If you want to understand what's happening in the U.S. today, you need to know about the Seven Mountains Mandate, the belief by some evangelicals that Christians should dominate the seven pillars of society, including the government. onfaithcanada.blogspot.com/2025/09/if-y...
What does it mean to be a Canadian Muslim? That is the question being asked by Imam Sikander Hashmi, the new executive director of the Canadian Council of Imams. “It’s a work in progress,” he said. onfaithcanada.blogspot.com/2025/09/new-...
New executive director of Canadian Council of Imams exploring what it means to be a Canadian Muslim
What does it mean to be a Canadian Muslim? That is the question being asked by Imam Sikander Hashmi, the new executive director of the Canad...
onfaithcanada.blogspot.com
September 24, 2025 at 6:29 PM
What does it mean to be a Canadian Muslim? That is the question being asked by Imam Sikander Hashmi, the new executive director of the Canadian Council of Imams. “It’s a work in progress,” he said. onfaithcanada.blogspot.com/2025/09/new-...
“We May Not Be Big, But We’re Small.” That was the motto of The Vinyl Cafe by CBC radio host Stuart McLean. It could also be the new motto for the United Church of Canada, according to its newly-elected moderator. @unitedchurchcda.bsky.social
onfaithcanada.blogspot.com/2025/09/new-...
onfaithcanada.blogspot.com/2025/09/new-...
New moderator of United Church of Canada wants denomination to think small
“We May Not Be Big, But We’re Small.” That was the motto of The Vinyl Cafe, a fictional record store owned by Dave, a character featur...
onfaithcanada.blogspot.com
September 23, 2025 at 3:32 PM
“We May Not Be Big, But We’re Small.” That was the motto of The Vinyl Cafe by CBC radio host Stuart McLean. It could also be the new motto for the United Church of Canada, according to its newly-elected moderator. @unitedchurchcda.bsky.social
onfaithcanada.blogspot.com/2025/09/new-...
onfaithcanada.blogspot.com/2025/09/new-...
Should aid for homeless people and evangelism be mixed? Some experts weigh in. onfaithcanada.blogspot.com/2025/09/mixi...
Mixing aid and evangelism; not a good idea
Should giving out aid and evangelism be mixed? That question was prompted by an e-mail I received about a group of rural Christian youth...
onfaithcanada.blogspot.com
September 22, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Should aid for homeless people and evangelism be mixed? Some experts weigh in. onfaithcanada.blogspot.com/2025/09/mixi...
A new paper promoted by the Pew Research Centre describes what it says are the three stages of religious decline in countries around the world. Canada is near the end of the second stage. onfaithcanada.blogspot.com/2025/09/new-...
New paper describes three stages of religious decline in countries around the world
A new paper promoted by the Pew Research Centre describes what it says are the three stages of religious decline in countries around the w...
onfaithcanada.blogspot.com
September 16, 2025 at 7:47 PM
A new paper promoted by the Pew Research Centre describes what it says are the three stages of religious decline in countries around the world. Canada is near the end of the second stage. onfaithcanada.blogspot.com/2025/09/new-...
Some people leave complicated legacies. James Dobson, who died on Aug. 21, was one of those people. For some, he was a positive force. But others viewed him in a very different light. This included Christians who were members of the LGBTTQ+ community. onfaithcanada.blogspot.com/2025/09/jame...
James Dobson and his complicated legacy, including conversion therapy
Some people, when they die, leave complicated legacies. James Dobson, who died at age 89 on Aug. 21, was one of those people. Dobson, fo...
onfaithcanada.blogspot.com
September 1, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Some people leave complicated legacies. James Dobson, who died on Aug. 21, was one of those people. For some, he was a positive force. But others viewed him in a very different light. This included Christians who were members of the LGBTTQ+ community. onfaithcanada.blogspot.com/2025/09/jame...