Canada

The Wickaninnish Inn could be reasonably be described as a lodge at the edge of the world. Backed by rippling ridges and old-growth evergreens, the 75-room chalet is perched on a promontory overlooking the ocean. In the winter, well-heeled visitors gather behind sturdy windows and are warmed by a crackling fire as they watch ferocious storms batter the coastline.

It sounds like one would have to travel to New Zealand or Patagonia in order to observe such a spectacle. But the Wickaninnish Inn is nestled above Chesterman Beach in Tofino, a village on the western shore of Vancouver Island. And it's a mere 45-minute prop-plane ride from Seattle.

"Tofino is inhabited by artists, explorers and dreamers," says Monica Campbell-Hoppé of the Canadian Tourism Commission. "There's high-end luxury accommodation and gourmet cuisine at places like the Wickaninnish Inn and Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, plus hiking in virgin forests, kayaking, eagle watching and surfing--with a wet suit." more >>

The American Psychological Association (APA) adopted a resolution Wednesday advising mental health professionals to avoid telling clients that they can change their sexual orientation through therapy or other treatments.

The "Resolution on Appropriate Affirmative Responses to Sexual Orientation Distress and Change Efforts" also advises that parents, guardians, young people and their families avoid sexual orientation treatments that portray homosexuality as a mental illness or developmental disorder and instead seek psychotherapy, social support and educational services "that provide accurate information on sexual orientation and sexuality, increase family and school support and reduce rejection of sexual minority youth."

"Contrary to claims of sexual orientation change advocates and practitioners, there is insufficient evidence to support the use of psychological interventions to change sexual orientation," said Dr. Judith M. Glassgold, chair of the task force behind a newly released report that examined the efficacy of reparative therapy, or sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE). more >>

A splinter group in Canada has been approved as a diocese in an emerging body of orthodox Anglicans in North America.

The Anglican Network in Canada – a group of Anglican parishes that broke from the Anglican Church of Canada over theological differences – is now one of 28 dioceses in a province that is still in formation.

Last week, Canadian and U.S. Anglican leaders who severed ties with The Episcopal Church – the U.S. arm of Anglicanism – and the Anglican Church of Canada announced the approval of applications for 28 dioceses and dioceses-in-formation as part of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA). more >>

Canadians who believe in God dropped 13 percent within a nine year time span, between 2000 and 2009, according to a new survey.

The number of Canadian believers in God is 71 percent, down from 84 percent in 2000, a survey conducted by Ipsos Reid from March 31 to April 2 found, reported Canwest News Service.

Among males, the number of those believing in God dropped from 86 percent to 63 percent over the time period, while among women the decrease was less dramatic - from 82 percent to 79 percent. more >>

Christian rock band Downhere has snagged their third Canadian Grammy for their album Ending Is Beginning.

"We're extremely honored to have won our third Juno award,” said co-lead singer and guitarist Jason Germain last week following the band’s win at the Juno Gala Dinner & Awards.

“It is so special to us to win such a prestigious award in our home country, and we hope this record is able to reach even more people because of it,” he exclaimed. more >>