This past summer, the Centre for Spiritual Living, Saskatoon, hosted a New Thought conference titled "The Oneness Gathering", which was well attended. Keynote speakers were Rev. Dr. Suzanne Rubin and Drs. Kenn and Doborah Gordon, and there were many distinguished Pastors, Staff Ministers, and Practitioners from across Canada and the western U.S.A.
On the day prior to the main conference, there was a gathering of ministers in a discussion group. Just the day before that, I was told that I would be called away from the group for a panel interview regarding ordination. Three senior ministers, generally having the title of "Doctor", conduct this interview. Following a period of questions, I was sent out to a waiting area for several minutes, then called back to be informed that the panel was unanimous in recommending me for this honour.
I should explain that, unlike most churches, ministers are not ordained after passing their training period, but are 'licensed'. Then then work under the supervision of an ordained pastor, with annual reporting and an annual licensing fee. Their title of "Reverend" may be withdrawn should they retire or fail to be approved annually. There is a point system for ordination which results in the removal of the annual restrictions - the title becomes permanent unless removed for cause by the main organization.
The panel's recommendation was ratified by the Board of Directors at the Asilmor, California conference in late July, and so The Saskatoon Centre held a wonderful ceremony and celebration on November 19th for me and my colleague Shari Beckton, where they fussed over us to a high degree. It amounts to being given "tenure" if compared to the academic world.
Although my health has wavered this year, things have gone on without much effort from me. My books have been converted to e-books by www.lulu.com, and they are now available on iTunes as an Apple e-book in both the U.S. and Canada. They will also be available in some other e-book formats via Amazon and other online bookstores.
