Tracy M. Simmons

Faith and Values: Launching a community class focused on religious literacy

“Aware of the suffering caused by the destruction of life, I undertake to cultivate compassion and learn ways to protect the lives of people, animals, plants, and minerals,” the principle says. “I am determined not to kill, not to let others kill, and not to condone any act of killing in the world, in my thinking, and in my way of life.”

Because I write about faith, people often ask me what religion I am.

Generally, because I trust TSA has reasons for their security measures, I feel safe flying on a plane. I don’t feel safe, though, being in large crowds or anywhere else where an unhinged shooter can open fire with an assault rifle and kill or maim dozens of people.

Faith and Values: Finding rest, whether on the Sabbath or not, is important

Saturday was the 10-year anniversary of gay marriage becoming legal in the state of Washington. More than three years later, it became legal nationwide. It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years already, but also hard to believe we’ve only had the right to marry for one decade in this state.

The Rev. William “Bill” Ellis moved from Spokane to Bend, Oregon, after he retired from the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in 2017, but still news of his death has many Spokanites reeling.

An area of progressive values in a part of the state and country that is deeply red, Moscow is just about perfect for a lot of residents. But leaders of Christ Church say they’re trying to evangelize in an area that has shown indifference toward religion, prompting tension in the city of roughly 25,000 residents.