“If we don’t talk about it, it’s not real.” 

Hearing those words spoken at a prayer vigil on Thursday night in my small community of Chetwynd, B.C., made me realize what has been out of place since the tragedy in nearby Tumbler Ridge. 

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In 2004, I moved to Chetwynd, a municipality of about 2,300 people, and joined the Chetwynd Shared Ministry, a four-denomination church — United, Anglican, Lutheran and Presbyterian — that welcomes all. Over the past 21-plus years, my involvement with the church has evolved significantly. I have gone from reading scripture during worship and serving on council to becoming a lay leader who leads services regularly. I am also a member of the community ministerial, which is a group of clergy and lay leaders who meet monthly to discuss how we can work together for the community. We hold an annual community church service, we record Advent and Easter messages for our local ChetTV station and we are currently exploring ways to support people in the community struggling with addiction.

As with any........

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