Ethics

Everyday Ethics

Friend or spouse?

Your marriage has been under stress, and your husband has planned a second honeymoon for Valentine's. Just before your departure, your best friend calls. It is the first anniversary of her spouse's death, and she says she really needs company. What do you do?  
By Ruth McQuirter Scott and Ken Gallinger  February 2010

Feature
Fred Irwin, founder of Transition Town Peterborough (Ont.) shops at the local farmers market. Photo by Clifford Skarstedt

Kicking the oil habit

Sooner or later, plentiful oil will be a thing of the past. Transition Towns are starting now to prepare for the future.  
By Lisa Van de Ven  January 2010

Everyday Ethics

Do you pay your son's mortgage?

Your adult son has a history of being careless with money. Despite your urging to buy something more modest, he and his spouse bought a house they couldn’t afford. Now they’re having trouble paying the mortgage. You recently came into some money. Do you help them out, or should they learn from their mistake?  
By Lee Simpson and Kevin Little  January 2010

Feature
The Gallinger family from left: Natalia, Ioulia, Daria and Matt. Photo by Bill Grimshaw

'Fighting to be our daughter’s parents'

Born with severe cerebral palsy, Daria Gallinger needs 24-hour care. Now her parents face a cruel choice: keep her at home and accept financial ruin, or give her up so she qualifies for the help she needs.   
By Trisha Elliott  January 2010

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U.S. President Barack Obama speaks at the 2009 UN Climate Change Conference. Courtesy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark

Copenhagen Day Twelve

They have looked into the abyss   
By David MacDonald  December 2009

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Prime Minister Stephen Harper arrives in Copenhagen to attend the 2009 UN Climate Change Conference. Per Daugaard/Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark

Copenhagen Day Eleven

Nowhere else to go  
By David MacDonald  December 2009

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A weary delegate rests his head at the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. Courtesy of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark

Copenhagen Day Ten

A question of power  
By David MacDonald  December 2009

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Archbishop Desmond Tutu addresses a crowd in Copenhagen during the UN Climate Change Conference. Courtesy of the World Council of Churches

Copenhagen Day Nine

'What on earth has the Gospel got to do with climate change?'  
By David MacDonald  December 2009

Feature

Copenhagen Day Eight

A unique Canadian contribution  
By David MacDonald  December 2009

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European leaders say they favour a tax on international transactions as a way of supporting poor countries and achieving a climate change agreement. Courtesy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark

Copenhagen Days Six and Seven

Thinking the unthinkable  
By David MacDonald  December 2009

Feature
China's Assistant Foreign Affairs Minister Zhai Jun participates in a panel discussion at the 2009 UN Climate Change Conference. Courtesy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark

Copenhagen Days Four and Five

'This is about more than climate change'  
By David MacDonald  December 2009

Feature
Environmental activists, young and old, come together at the 2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference. Courtesy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark

Copenhagen Day Three

Two solitudes   
By David MacDonald  December 2009

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Also in the February 2010 print edition

Also in the February 2010 print edition

An interview with German researcher Christian Schwarz
Dispatch: An Alberta church saves water and energy
How to get your congregation into showbiz
Déjà Vu: The United Church at 85
Have your say:
The Observer web poll

Would the discovery of aliens contradict your faith in God? (See Infinite sanctuary)

Yes
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Previous poll results:

Was Vancouver's First United right to offer sanctuary to an Iraq war resister?
Do you bring your atheist grandchildren to church on Christmas Eve?
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