let's talk about sex!

'This suggests, then, that the primary criterion for a Christian sexual theology is not procreation but rather faithfulness and commitment. This is the supreme message of the life of Jesus and ought to be the principal standard for Christian sexual ethics – not sexual orientation, not propagation, nor even marriage.'

Interesting article from the Globe and Mail. I was pleased to read Bishop Michael Ingham's article on sexuality and the church. I realise that some have already been talking about faith in relation to homosexuality, marriage, non-marriage relationships...but on the whole these dialogues occur on the fringes. I grew up within mainstream Christian circles where issues of sexuality are easy to assess: Marriage - good if between a man and a woman; pre-marital sex - SIN; homosexuality - SIIIIINNN; and homosexual marriage - ABSOLUTE NO. When I would learned about it, it was usually to justify these beliefs than to truly question some of the fundamental assertions here. Is there still something here to question?

I certainly think so and I do not believe these are givens, no matter what Dr James Dobson of Focus on the Family says. I do question these taken for granted attitudes because I don't think a christian response to issues of sexuality are as clear and straightforward as I often heard it to be. Questions like 'what is marriage?' are overlooked because it's such a pervasive belief that the ceremony is the defining point of marriage, hence the point where man and wife can share a bed. I don't assume that there is a monolithic christian culture but I do think some of the 'truths' that are supposedly fundamental for some to the christian faith need to be reassessed. Some of the dialogues and debates that is already happening amongst some christian thinkers needs to be brought to the wider body of believers to spark conversations on theology that have such lasting impressions on society and culture in general.

blood diamond

I just saw the film Blood Diamond. It's been out in theatres for a few months now and I've only managed to see it now. It is a compelling story about conflict diamonds from Sierra Leone. The acting by both Leonardo di Caprio and Djimon Hounsou was top notch. I would recommend this movie, particularly because it has more than the stock plots we see too often nowadays. I am also not offering a review of the film, as you probably will find more worthwhile reviews in rotten tomatoes or some other site.

I wrote an article about diamonds in December 2002. It was a look at the diamond industry from the conflict diamonds to the diamond mines in Canada's north. It was written months before the ratification and implementation of the Kimberly Process in August 2003 so it won't provide the evaluation of the Kimberley process but it might give some information about some of the other issues related to diamonds.

The Kimberley process is a certification scheme that creates standards for the import and export of diamonds. It assures the buyer that the rough diamond is purchased legally, without aiding rebel groups (such as the RUF). The Kimberley process though has been criticized from its implementation since it lacks transparency and appropriate monitoring and regulation measures. Since its 'implementation' some have criticized it as a mere publicity stunt for the diamond industry.

Some critics have really been unhappy with the overt 'preachy' message of the film but I am really pleased that the stories so important to the lives of many in some of the forgotten places on earth are still told (though a few years late).

finding home

I love Vancouver. I woke up to a beautiful white snowy view from my window, and now 10 hours later, to beautiful sunshine. Lovely Vancouver. I've been living here for the past six weeks now. After three years and four months of living in the UK, I am back at my mom's place. It's better than I anticipated. A few unhappy moments, but generally it's been one pleasant surprise after the other.

A few days after I arrived, I started volunteering for this project called Finding Home. What initially got my attention with this project was that it involved Lt Gen Romeo Dallaire, a man who I have a lot of respect for. I began volunteering by managing the guest list for the event but a week after I started I knew I had to get into gear and start earning some $$$.

I signed up for a couple of temp agencies. Through one of the agencies, I finally worked my most useless job ever. It was an elaborate production line to stick logo stickers on dummy wireless cards for mobile phone service providers. I had to measure 2.5 mm on each side with a ruler and make sure the label had no bubbles, lines or imperfections. I spent five spiritless days doing this. They had asked me if I was able to extend my stay with them and I gave them an emphatic NO.

Fortunately, some funds were available for me to be hired on contract for Finding Home. I was hired as the Dialogue coordinator, which put me in touch with a range of people in my field of interest in Vancouver. I also got to work on a project I have a lot of interest in. Very pleasant surprise.

Finding Home is a project directed and created by Jessie Sutherland of Worldview Strategies. It is a project that looks at the meaning of home and what it means to create home. Our event launch was a one day dialogue in the Wosk Centre for Dialogue with Lt Gen Romeo Dallaire and Chief Robert Joseph. It is an innovative project bringing together first nations, metis, immigrants, refugees, youth, artists, senios, government reps, academics and other curious individuals. Jessie's background is in conflict resolution too, so a lot of the project resonates with me.

We are looking to launch different community based dialogues in the next few months, which is exciting. However, my involvement from here on is up in the air as I am unsure what my next steps are to be. I'll keep you posted.