Paniz Vedavarz

A modern church with a white cross at the front of its building and a parking lot.

B.C. church welcomes members back as court sides with regional leadership

by Paniz Vedavarz

A former council chair at Bethany-Newton United disputes claims that the church was dysfunctional

An empty lot with a fence around it. There is a sign that says, "It's gonna be okay" in black. The text has two red hearts around it. In the background are mountains and clouds.

A year after a wildfire destroyed their building, Jasper United is finding new ways to gather

by Paniz Vedavarz

Despite challenges, the congregation is rebuilding, proving that faith and community can't be burned down

Gower Street United Church, a red-brick heritage building with green rooftops and a rose window, located in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

Canada is losing its churches. Can communities afford to let that happen?

by Paniz Vedavarz

From housing to disaster relief, faith spaces have long filled civic gaps. A new report calls them essential public assets.

Emma Bellante, wearing a red and black jersey, kicks a soccer ball while a player in a white and black jersey defends during a match at the Canadian Street Soccer Association’s national tournament in Mississauga.

This Canadian soccer league champions more than competition

by Paniz Vedavarz

The Canadian Street Soccer Association offers connection, support — and a shot at the Homeless World Cup in Norway

Rev. Tammy Lindahl and Rev. Martha Juillerat stand side by side in their church, each wearing a colourful stole. Lindahl’s features a rainbow design, while Juillerat’s is a multicoloured tie-dye pattern. They’re smiling warmly at Esquimalt United Church.

Her church cast her out for being gay. 30 years later, it made amends.

by Paniz Vedavarz

Victoria ministers Revs. Martha Juillerat and Tammy Lindahl lost their ordinations after coming out in the 1990s. Now, the Presbyterian Church U.S.A.

Dozens of people sit at a long, rainbow-painted picnic table outside Metropolitan United Church in Toronto, sharing food and conversation during a community potluck.

Toronto church celebrates United Church centennial with 100-foot potluck picnic

by Paniz Vedavarz

Over 150 people gathered around a rainbow picnic table at Metropolitan United to mark a century of faith and community

An image of three centenarian individuals: On the left, Ray Mackay seated at an organ wearing a dark sweater; in the center, Molly Austen smiling and wearing a celebratory sash reading "Aged to Perfection" and a crown; on the right, Miriam Tees wearing a purple cardigan and speaking in front of a dark background.

3 centenarians on what a lifetime of faith has meant to them

by Paniz Vedavarz

To mark the United Church's centennial, Broadview spoke with members who have been around longer than the denomination itself

A senior woman lies in a hospital bed, holding a ukulele and speaking with two young musicians who are wearing medical masks. One of the musicians also holds a ukulele, while the other has a guitar. They are engaged in warm conversation.

Toronto theatre group trades the stage for bedside serenades

by Paniz Vedavarz

Smile Serenades is bringing live music to Toronto’s care homes, hospitals and mental health units, one room at a time