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Week of November 8, 2009: Over 100,000 Canadians were killed in WWI and WWII. Do you think it's important to hold Remembrance Day services to remember them?
- Yes
- No
- Let's not glorify war anymores: [vote in this poll in left margin]
Week of November 1, 2009: In response to the H1N1 virus, do you think we should "ban" hand-shaking at church?
- Yes: 7 (9%)
- No: 18 (24%)
- Let people choose: 51 (67%)
- Total votes: 76
Week of October 25, 2009: Anglicans can now jump ship! Pope Benedict XIV has announced the creation of a structure that allows Anglicans to join the Roman Catholic Church while maintaining their own liturgy. It also allows married Anglican clergy to be ordained in the RC Church. Do you agree with the Pope's decision?
- Yes: 20 (30%)
- No: 30 (45%)
- Let unhappy Anglicans join the Roman Catholic Church: 17 ( 25%)
- Total votes: 67
Week of October 18, 2009: Next Sunday, October 25, Holocaust survivor Anita Ekstein will be our guest speaker as we observe Holocaust Remembrance in our city. After 6 decades have passed, do you think its important to remember and honour the memory of the victims and survivors of the Holocaust?
- Yes: 45 (90%)
- No: 2 (4%)
- I find it too depressing: 3 (6%)
- Total votes: 50
Week of October 11, 2009: On Sunday, October 18th on the Feast Day for St. Luke the Evangelist, the Patron Saint of Healing, Marc Doucet, the Director of Spiritual Care at Toronto Western Hospital will be the guest homilist. Have you ever felt the healing power of the God in your life?
- Yes: 25 (69.7%)
- No: 3 (8%)
- I've never asked: 8 (22.3%)
- Total votes: 36
Week of October 4, 2009: Do you think Thanksgiving should be observed in church?
- Yes: 33 (77%)
- No: 3 (7%)
- It's just another statutory holiday: 7 (16%)
- Total votes: 43
Week of September 27, 2009 Last week, Toronto's Mayor David Miller announced he will not seek re-election in 2010. How do you feel about this decision?
- I think he still has something to offer Toronto: 3 (9%)
- It's time for a new Mayor: 8 (24%)
- I respect Miller's decision not to seek a new term. It's a hard job: 23 (67%)
- Total votes: 34
Week of September 20, 2009 On Thursday morning this week, the Bishops of Toronto will be at Union Station inviting people to come back to church. Do you think this is an effective strategy to get people to attend church?
- Yes: 7 (14%)
- No: 31 (61%)
- It's a much bigger issue: 13 (15%)
- Total votes: 51
Week of September 13, 2009 With recent surveys indicating the probability of another minority government, do you feel we should be going to the polls this fall?
- Yes: 4 (13%)
- No: 19 (64%)
- No, not until the economy recovers: 7 (23%)
- Total votes: 30
Week of September 1, 2009 As you begin to make plans for the fall season, is "church-going" something you plan to do?
- Yes: 28 (72%)
- No: 1 (3%)
- Occasionally: 6 (15%)
- Maybe for special occasions: 4 (10%)
- Total votes: 39
Week of June 28, 2009 It's that time of year to spend time at the cottage or on vacation. Are your spiritual needs met while on vacation when you don't attend a regular service of worship?
- Yes: 4 (11%)
- No: 0
- My spiritual needs are met in a different way: 23 (62%)
- My spiritual needs are not dependent on church attendance: 10 (27%)
- Total votes: 37
Week of June 21, 2009 On July 20, 2005, Canada became the 4th country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage with the enactment of the Civil Marriage Act. Do you think that the Anglican Church of Canada should now bless same-sex marriages?
- Yes: 88 (76%)
- No: 26 (22%)
- We need more time to consider this decision: 1 (1%)
- I don't believe it's the right thing to do: 1 (1%)
- total votes: 116
Week of June 14, 2009 A new national study that ranks Canadian history curricula in high schools ranks Quebec as the head of the class. PEI, Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan, Alberta and Northwest Territories took home an "F". Too many provinces in Canada don't take the teaching of Canadian history seriously, and for that reason, many students in Canada graduate with little knowledge about our country's past. What do you think? Are you?
- Astonished: 14 (26%)
- Dismayed: 10 (19%)
- Annoyed: 5 (9%)
- Surprised: 8 (15%)
- Canadian students need knowledge! Let's do something! 17 (31%)
- Total votes: 54
Week of June 7, 2009 In Barack Obama's speech in Cairo last week, he said that the people of the world can live together in peace. "There must be a sustained effort to listen to each other; to learn from each other; to respect one another; and to seek common ground." Do you agree with his statement that "the interests we share as human beings are far more powerful than the forces that drive us apart."
- Yes: 26 (57%)
- No: 0
- An honourable sentiment but a bit naive: 17 (37%)
- The differences among us are too great to achieve this goal; 3 (7%)
Week of May 31, 2009 Atheist Christopher Hitchens, author of the New York Times bestselling book: God is not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything - will be giving a lecture at the Royal Ontario Museum on June 2. Hitchens believes that religion is at the heart of all the trouble in the world. Do you agree?
- Yes: 0
- No: 37 (64%)
- Religion is a contributing factor
Week of May 24, 2009 On Sunday, May 31st, Christians celebrate Pentecost, the 50th day after Easter. It’s a day to remember the presence of God’s Spirit in the world. Have you experienced the presence of God in your life?
- Yes: 29 (69%)
- No: 4 (10%)
- I don't know: 0
- I'm not sure what you're talking about: 2 (5%)
- Maybe: 7 (17%)
Week of May 17, 2009 This week, the Church celebrates The Ascension of the Lord when Jesus left this earth to be with God in heaven. What do you think about heaven? Do think that heaven is:
- A place above the sky: 0
- A place we go after we die: 8 (21%)
- literary and imaginative ways of conveying meanings about spiritual life in the present: 21 (54%)
- Peace of mind for the living: 2 (5%)
- A fictional place to make us feel better about those who have died: 4 (10%)
- None of the above: 4 (10%)
Week of May 10, 2009 Do you feel the concerns over the H1N1 influenza virus have been adequately addressed by the World Health Organization?
- Yes: 11 (37%)
- No: 0
- I think there's been too much hype: 16 (53%)
- We probably haven't seen the worst of it yet: 3 (10%)
- Total votes: 30
Week of May 3, 2009 - Macleans Magazine issued a disturbing new poll this weekthat revealed the limits of religious tolerance in Canada. Do you feel that you are tolerant toward major faiths other than your own? Link to Macleans Magazine here »
- Yes: 34 (74%)
- No: 0
- Moderately: 8 (17%)
- I don't know enough about other faiths: 4 (9%)
- Total votes: 46
Week of April 26, 2009 - Tamil demonstrations in Toronto Do you think that the demonstrations in Toronto will change the Canadian Governments involvement in the ongoing conflict in Sri Lanka?
- Yes: 2 (4%)
- No: 44 (78%)
- Canadians shouldn't be involved in the conflict: 10 (17%)
- Total votes: 56
Week of April 19, 2009 - Earth Day is now in its 39th year. Has this observance influenced the way you respond to environmental concerns?
- Yes: 18 (53%)
- No: 8 (24%)
- Hardly ever: 3 (9%)
- When it's convenient: 5 (15%)
Week of April 12, 2009 - In light of the current economic downturn, are you personally feeling the need to tighten your belt financially?
- yes: 12 (40%)
- no: 8 (27%)
- somewhat: 10 (33%)
- total vote: 30
Week of April 5, 2009 - The Crucifixion of Jesus: Many people have different views as to why Jesus died on the cross. Which of the following comes closest to what you believe?
- Jesus died for my sins: 21 (27%)
- Jesus' death was an act of self-giving love: 10 (13%)
- Jesus died because he challenged the religious and political authorities of his day: 39 (50%)
- Why Jesus died doesn't have an impact on my life of faith: 6 (8%)
- I don't believe any of this stuff 2 (3%)
- Total votes: 78
Week of March 29, 2009 Do you agree with Prime Minister Stephen Harper's opinion that gun registration for shot-guns and rifles should be eliminated?
- Yes: 18% (10)
- No: 82% (45)
- Total votes: 55
Week of March 22, 2009 In his recent trip to Cameroon, Pope Benedict took the opportunity to once again discourage the use of condoms. Do you agree with the Pope’s statement?
- Yes: 3 (5%)
- No: 57 (95%)
- Total votes: 60
Week of March 15, 2009 How many times do you use the Internet to connect with Christ Church Deer Park?
- once/week: 10 (29%)
- more than once/week: 9 (26%)
- several times/week: 14 (40%)
- only when I come to church: 0
- this is my first time: 2 (6%)
- never: 0
- Total Votes: 35
Week of March 8, 2009 Early this year, the Anglican Bishops of Toronto issued a "discussion document" outlining a proposal for non-legislative, limited approval for same-sex blessings, not including authorized liturgical rites, and not treating the relationships as marriage. The proposal is not to be implemented until the Bishops "deem it appropriate". Do you think this is a positive but cautious step forward?
- yes: 15% (10)
- No: 0
- I think we should move ahead more quickly: 79% (54)
- I don't think we should move at all on this issue: 6% (4)
- Total votes: 68
Week of March 1, 2009 Do you believe in Barack Obama’s strategy for hope?
- Yes 63% (28)
- No: 7% (3)
- I'm not sure he can pull it off 30% (13)
- Total Votes: 44
Week of February 22, 2009 Wednesday, February 25, the 40-day Season of Lent begins in the Church. This is a season that precedes Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. Do you observe this season with any changes?
- I don't do anything differently: 16% (6)
- I usually give up something: 27% (10)
- I add something to my life: 43% (16)
- I have a discipline of prayer and or meditation: 14% (5)
- I go on a retreat: 0
- Total Votes: 37
Week of February 15, 2009 Are you concerned or hopeful that the world will avoid global disaster within the next 100 years?
- Hopeful: 36% (18)
- Concerned: 48% (24)
- I'm not sure: 16% (8)
- Total Votes: 50
Week of February 8, 2009
- Part A Do you identify yourself by your career?
- Yes: 27 (73%)
- No: 10 (27%)
- Total Votes: 37
- Part B Do you remain connected to your work through technology?
- Yes: 30 (88%)
- NO: 4 (12%)
- Total Votes : 34
Week of February 1, 2009 Do you feel it is appropriate to play the Canadian national anthem at the start of the day in our school system?
- Yes: 23 (64%)
- Yes, but there should always be room for debate: 9 (25%)
- No: 1 (3%)
- No, we should respect our diverse society: 0
- No, the lyrics of the anthem should be revised to reflect today's Canada: 3 (8%)
Week of January 25, 2009 A letter has been sent from a coalition of Canadian Churches, including an endorsement from our Anglican Primate, Fred Hiltz to Canada's first ministers to address poverty, adequate housing, and affordable health care in the federal budget. They are asking politicians to address sustainability, sufficiency, equity and solidarity with living creatures. Do you agree that these principles need to be addressed in the federal budget? (44 votes) See the Toronto Star "Politicians warned to heed 'moral values' - Section 1 pA7 link »
Week of January 18, 2009 Message on over 800 buses around Britain reads "There is probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life. Do you want to see these ads in Toronto? (35 votes)
Week of January 11, 2009 Have you made any New Years resolutions? [multiple choice] [Total votes: 50]
- No: 42% (21)
- Yes re: Work or career: 8% (4)
- Yes re: Health/fitness/personal wellness: 12 (24%)
- Yes re: Spiritual life: 7 (14%)
- Yes re: Relationships: 5 (10%)
- Yes re: Education/learning: 1 (2%)
Week of January 4, 2009 Do you believe that Israel’s bombing of the Gaza Strip will lessen the threat of terrorism?
[Total votes: 36]
Week of December 28, 2008 As you anticipate the year 2009, do you feel:
- hopeful 19 (61%)
- skeptical: 5 (16%)
- saddened by the world: 7 (23%)
- ho-hum: 0
- despair: 0
- total votes: 31
Week of December 21, 2008 Christmas is often portrayed as a happy time of the year with family and friends. We want to know what Christmas is like for you.
- A happy time of year: 14 (35%)
- A time of difficult memories: 10 (25%)
- A sad time: 3 (8%)
- Economically stressful: 5 (13%)
- Merry and bright? 8 (20%)
Week of December 14, 2008 With the recent military deaths in Afghanistan, do you feel Canada should review its commitment to this mission?
- Yes 2% (1)
- Yes, a review is overdue 9% (4)
- Yes, we should be a peace-keeping force 28% (12)
- No 16% (7)
- No, a review may further destabalize the region 44% (19)
Week of December 7, 2008 "Happy Holidays" is inclusive and embraces people of all faiths as well as non-believers. Some Christians prefer to say, "Merry Christmas" to everyone. What is your choice?:
- Merry Christmas 84% (32)
- Happy Holidays 13% (5)
- I don't use either 3% (1)
Week of November 30, 2008 Advent is:
- the birthday of the Church 4% (1)
- just another Sunday 4% (1)
- the beginning of a new church season 70% (19)
- a whole lot of waiting 22% (6)
Week of November 23, 2008 Is the current economic situation:
- restricting your Christmas buying 44% (13)
- affecting your charitable donations 7% (2)
- reducing your social/entertainment plans 17% (5)
- making no difference 31% (9)
Week of November 16, 2008
Last week, a suspicious fire damaged St. George’s Chapel at St. James’ Cathedral. Do you think that churches should have greater security (i.e., locked doors and cameras) to protect them?
yes 42% (10); No 13% (3); it depends on how it looks 4% (1); it depends on the cost 8% (2); I don’t like the idea at all 29% (7); A camera in the church?! 4% (1)
Week of November 9, 2008
Toronto's Santa Claus Parade will take place on Sunday, November 16th. Does the Santa Claus Parade mark the beginning of your holiday season??
Yes: 6% (2); No 58% (21); You're Kidding, right? 36% (13); Total Votes: 36
Week of November 2, 2008
Remembrance Day is now a civic observance. Do you believe theres still a role for the Church to have in the observance of Remembrance Day?
Yes: 36% (37); No 63% (64); Maybe 1% (1); Total Votes: 102
Week of October 26, 2008
Last week in Britain, atheists unveiled a high profile advertising campaign to put posters on London buses that say: "There is probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life." Within hours, over 2,500 donors had given about $60,000 to fund these ads. Do you agree with the content of the ad?
Yes: 1 (5%); No: 18 (95%); Total Votes: 19
Week of October 19, 2008
Next Sunday, as part of our observation of Torontos Annual Holocaust Week, our guest speaker will be Mr. Leonard Vis, an Orthodox Jew from Amsterdam.6 million Jews were killed during World War II. Do you believe that the western world has been fundamentally changed by the experience of the Holocaust?
Yes: 22 (81%); No: 5 (19%); What is Choral Mattins: 0 (0%) Total Votes: 27
Week of October 12, 2008
Choral Mattins takes place 4-5 times/year at the 11 am. Sunday worship service at Christ Church Deer Park. Would you like Choral Mattins more often?
Yes: 8 (33%); No: 14 (59%); What is Choral Mattins: 2 (8%) Total Votes: 24
Week of October 5, 2008
Do you give to a food bank at Thanksgiving?
Yes: 12 (57%); No: 5 (24%); I give all year long: 4 (19%) Total Votes: 21
Week of September 28, 2008
The Fate of Creation: The Blessing of Animals will take place on Sunday, October 5 at 9:15 am. Christians acknowledge that God blesses all of creation. Do you believe that animals go to heaven when they die?
Yes: 14 (50%); No: 7 (25%); Not sure: 7 (25%) Total Votes: 28
Week of September 21, 2008
The Ontario College of Physicians & Surgeons are in the midst of debating a policy that outlines a doctors limited right to refuse to provide medical treatment to patients on the basis of the doctors personal religious beliefs. Do you think that doctors in Ontario should be permitted to refuse treatment on this basis?
Yes: 4 (22%); No: 12 (67%); Not sure: 2 (11%) Total Votes: 18
See also: The Toronto Star September 18, 2008 (Living Section): "Does faith have a place in medicine?" by Stuart Laidlaw Faith & Ethics Reporter Star website »
Week of September 14, 2008
Is the environment a major issue for you in the upcoming federal election??
Yes: 15 (83%); No: 3 (17%); I don't much care: 0 (0%) Total Votes: 18
Week of September 7, 2008
Do you think that Canadians should go to the polls on October 14th?
Yes: 14 (41%); No: 18 (53%); I don't much care: 2 (6%) Total Votes: 34
Week of August 24 & 31, 2008
Returning to church ... when people return to church after many years, some want it to be exactly as they rememberd it with no changes and others don't stay because it is the same old, same old and want none of it anymore. Do you think that the Church should adapt and change or stay the same?
Adapt & change: 31 (84%); Stay the same: 6 (16%); Total Votes: 37
Week of August 17, 2008
Mission & Life: In light of the death of two aid workers in Afghanistan, do you think that the Canadian Government should prevent future aid workers from serving in Afghanistan?
Yes: 4 (15%); No: 22 (85%); Not sure: 0 (0%); Total Votes: 26
Week of August 10, 2008
In the year 1858, a young girl Bernadette claimed to have seen an apparition of the Virgin Mary in Lourdes, France. Since that time, the church and the medical establishment have confirmed 66 miraculous cures which cannot be scientifically proven. As the Church prepares to celebrate the Feast of the Virgin Mary on August 15th, hundreds of people will make a pilgrimage to the Miraculous Cave where Bernadette saw the apparition, and they will hope and pray for a cure from its healing springs located there.
Do you believe that healing is possible at this MIraculous Cave in Lourdes?
Yes: 12(57%); No: 3 (14%); Maybe: 6 (29%); Total Votes: 21
Week of August 3, 2008
China is talking about running blood tests to determine the gender credentials of female athletes deemed suspicious at this years Olympics. Do you believe that this kind of testing is a breach of human rights?
Yes: 8 (40%); No: 11 (55%); Not sure: 1 (5%); Total Votes: 20
Week of July 27, 2008
The capture of Karadicz and the ever-unfolding search for WWII culprits raise questions about our notion or ability for forgiveness... Do you feel there should be a statute of limitations on crimes against humanity?
Yes: 3 (17%); No: 15 (83%); Total Votes: 18
Week of July 20, 2008
Will the outcome of the Lambeth Conference in England affect your commitment to the Anglican Church?
Yes: 2 (14%); No: 12 (86%); Total Votes: 14
Week of July 13, 2008
Do you feel that matters of cyber-bullying should be included into the criminal code of Canada?
Yes: 18 (90%); No: 2 (10%); Total Votes: 20
Week of July 6, 2008
Do you think Dr Henry Morgentaler deserves to receive the Order of Canada?
Yes: 18 (67%); No: 9 (33%); Total Votes: 27
Week of June 29, 2008
Many people of faith are concerned about the sustainability of the planet. Do you agree with Stephane Dions carbon tax proposal?
Yes: 10 (50%); No: 6 (30%); I don't know: 4 (20%) Total Votes: 20
Week of June 22, 2008
Are you planning to take part in any of the Gay Pride celebrations this week?
Yes: 10 (50%); No: 7 (35%); Maybe: 3 (15%) Total Votes: 20
Week of June 15, 2008
Do you feel the government’s apology to survivors of the Indian Residential Schools was sufficient?
Yes: 11 (69%); No: 5 (31%); Total Votes: 16
Week of June 8, 2008
Do you agree with CBCs decision to introduce a new theme song for Hockey Night in Canada?
Yes: 3 (16%) No: 12 (63%) Don't Care: 4 (21%). Total Votes: 19
Week of June 1, 2008
Do you believe the federal government should continue funding for a drug injection site in the downtown east side of Vancouver?
Yes: 15 (94%) No: 1 (6%). Total Votes: 16
Week of May 25, 2008
Canada's Wonderland has said that if you leave a line-up to use the washroom, you cannot return to your place in the line - you must go to the back of the line. Do you agree with their decision?
Yes: 5 (26%) No: 14 (74%). Total Votes: 19
Week of May 18, 2008
An Abbotsford, BC church has been ordered to stop a homeless feeding program taking place in a local public park by city council. They arent going to stop. Do you feel the city council request infringes on their call to Christian charity?
Yes: 14 (74%) No: 1 (5%) Perhaps: 4 (21%). Total Votes: 19
Week of May 12, 2008
Do you think that it is appropriate for The Lords Prayer to open the daily proceedings of the Provincial Legislature.
Yes: 6 (29%) No: 15 (71%). Total Votes: 21
Week of May 5, 2008
Should Omar Khadr be released from prison in Guantanamo Bay because he was a child soldier?
Yes: 15 (75%) No: 5 (25%). Total Votes: 20
Week of April 27, 2008
There have been many recent advances in stem cell research. Do you think the benefits of this research outweigh the ethical issues?
Yes: 18 (79%) No: 1 (4%) Maybe. Let's talk: 4 (17%). Total Votes: 23
Week of April 20, 2008
Do you support the TTC workers right to strike?
Yes: 11 (44%) No: 13 (52%) Not sure: 1 (4%) Don't care 0. Total Votes: 25
Week of April 13, 2008
Do you approve of the Olympics being held in China?
Yes: 5 (17%) No: 25 (83%) Total Votes: 30
CCDP's greening of theology here »
Week of April 6, 2008
Did you turn your lights off between 8 - 9 pm for Earth Hour on Saturday, March 29??
Yes: 19 (95%) No: 1 (5%) Total Votes: 20
CCDP's greening of theology here »
Week of March 30, 2008
Eastertide Gospel: St Thomas had to see the risen Jesus in order to believe in the resurrection. Do you have to see in order to believe?
Yes: 1 (3%) Maybe: 5 (17%) No: 23 (80%) Total Votes: 29
This week's gospel is the appearance of Jesus to the disciples and the famous "doubting Thomas" passage [background]
Week of March 23, 2008
Does it matter to you that the tomb was empty?
Yes: 18 (60%) Somewhat: 1 (3%) Let's talk: 5 (16%) No: 6 (20%) Total Votes: 30
The 4 gospels differ on some details of the account. More » What are the connections between the Jesus of history and the Christ of faith? Time Magazine touches on some of the issues here » Also an "empty tomb" blog here » IF you want to jump start a challenging think about this, "The Jesus Seminar" will likely get you going! here »
Week of March 16, 2008
Is Good Friday more than a day off from work?
Yes: 53 No: 6
Did you know? Good Friday is not a civic/statutory holiday France - nor in the US, where schools that close may refer to it as "spring holiday". In the Lutheran tradition, Good Friday was once THE most important day of the church year - more than Chistmas & Easter. Some Christians do not celebrate Good Friday - they hold "Crucifixion" on the same day as the Jewish Passover. More »
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