An appeals’ court has ruled in favor of a Canadian Anglican diocese in a parish property dispute with those opposed to same-gender blessings.

Jesus left his followers with precious few commands: love thy neighbor, feed the hungry, clothe the naked and visit the prisoner among them. So why do so many churches have such a hard time with that last one?

Stated Clerk Gradye Parsons has written a letter to all of our Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) brothers and sisters in celebration of the Advent and Christmas seasons.

He writes, “Once more, God-with-us is about to be born in our hearts, illuminating our lives and this world with the brilliant warmth of God’s peace, justice, and hope. ”