Overheard

“God has an interest in our sexuality. God invented it.” Pastor Ivor Grant

“In many ways the decline of the United Church flies in the face of common sense. How can their numbers be dropping when they seem to be the only major Christian denomination in lockstep with the attitudes and ideals of Canadians? … The United Church has remained synchronized to society’s evolution. Among religious groups it has been the loudest voice in support of same-sex marriage. We know from the world of business and economics that a product will be successful if it meets the needs of consumers. Why isn’t the new and improved United Church achieving market penetration?” David Haskell, Toronto Star

“To the faith community: Mobilize in an ecumenical coalition that’s multiracial and capitalizes on the role of each group. Catholics have powers that the Pentecostals can only dream about. The Salvation Army understands working within resident communities. The black church can say things to black citizens that the rest of the city cannot, without being charged with racism. White congregations and ministers can speak to political leaders in a language and tone and directness and facility that’s not available to the powerless black community. The faith community must elevate itself to become an ‘impartial, non-partisan advocate for the poor—and independent voice of truth and conscience that speaks truth to power.’” Toronto Star reporter Royson James, outlining Rev. Eugene Rivers’ anti-violence address

“Wouldn’t it be lovely to believe in an imaginary friend who listens to your thoughts, listens to your prayers, comforts you, consoles you, gives you life after death, can give you advice? Of course it’s satisfying, if you can believe it. But who wants to believe a lie?” Richard Dawkins, on the idea of God

“I started breaking down in tears and screaming and I couldn’t even hear myself scream. I know God is working on me. I’m on a personal journey. I believe God wants to be the only voice I hear right now.” Hip-hop star Foxy Brown, on being diagnosed with severe sudden sensorineural hearing loss

“Rarely, if ever, in the annals of human history have so many with so much to give to their society, actually given so little and done it so maladroitly as have American Christians over the past fifty years. Speaking as only one Christian, I feel the need to apologize.” Bob Briner, author of Roaring Lambs

“We felt that there were a lot of people asking, ‘Where do we go from here, now that we’ve changed our church music to sound like bad U2 covers?’” Jars of Clay guitarist Matt Odmark, on the Christian music industry