Deadline Extended! Accepting Applications until February 28th. If you have any questions or barriers that are preventing you from applying, please reach out to bailey@scmcanada.org!

This May, SCM is sponsoring a delegation of students/young adults to travel to the West Bank in collaboration with Community Peacemaker Teams Canada/Palestine. Participants will spend ten days meeting and learning from local community makers, experiencing the reality of life in occupied Palestine, and participating in non-violent solidarity actions. CPT has extensive experience in running these delegations in a meaningful and safe way.

This is what participants can expect from our specific trip:

Every year in May, Palestinians around the world remember the Nakba, or Catastrophe, marking the ethnic cleansing of Palestine in 1948; in 2026, this will be its 78th anniversary. This delegation offers a unique opportunity to connect deeply with the origins, land, and heritage of the Palestinian people. Participants will visit historic Jerusalem, hear stories from several refugee camps in the West Bank, and then travel to al-Khalil/Hebron to accompany the CPT team in providing a protective presence for the community. Along the way, you will build relationships with local community members, share meals, and engage in conversations about undoing oppression, solidarity, peace, justice, and the vision of a free Palestine. No matter your background or experience, this delegation invites you to witness firsthand the joy, resilience, and daily life of Palestinians living under occupation. You will stand alongside local communities, contribute to their resilience efforts, and participate in meaningful activities such as olive harvesting, sharing solidarity, laughter, and hope. This visit offers a rich learning experience grounded in presence, shared humanity, and the transformative power of working together in solidarity.

Participants will be expected to and supported in bringing their learning and experiences to their wider community in the year following their trip, in collaboration with their local SCM unit. Potential participants do not have to already be involved with an SCM unit (although it is great if they are!), but they are expected to connect and work with their local unit (if applicable) in the time leading up to and after the trip.

When Is it?

4th to 14th May 2026.

What Does it Cost?

The ‘real’ total cost per participant is approximately $4000. Participants are expected to fund-raise 1000$ towards their trip costs, using tools and resources that will be provided by SCM. The rest of the funding will be provided by SCM Canada through grants, fundraising, and our own funds.

Who Can Participate?

This delegation is geared towards post-secondary students(any level) and young adults in Canada who are involved with SCM Canada and/or are aligned with the values of SCM and open to collaborating with us. Practically, participants must be 19 years of age or older. 

This delegation should not be approached as a trip in isolation, but as a commitment to advocacy and solidarity. We are looking for participants who are eager to commit to sharing their learning and experiences with those in their home community, including their local SCM unit and/or SCM national.

How to Apply?

You can apply online at https://cpt.org/delegations/apply, selecting ‘Palestine: SCM Special Delegation May 2026’ from the drop-down. 

Please also prepare a 500-1000 word response to the question “Why do you want to participate in this delegation?” touching on the following points:

•What is your experience with/interest in peacemaking and non-violent resistance

•How do you hope to make use of the experience?

•What is your connection to SCM Canada? If none, why are you interested in participating in this delegation with SCM?

The maximum number of participants for this delegation is twelve, so we expect that the selection process will be competitive. 

The deadline for applications to be received through the CPT website is February 18th at 11:59 PM PST. This is to give us ample time for the interview/selection process, and for delegates to get their paperwork in order for the trip, once selected.

For More Information:
Reach out for more information to bailey@scmcanada.org
Virtual Q&A/Info-session for prospective participants: February 9th at 8 PM EST

To Support:
If you would like to support this project, we are accepting donations to subsidize the trip and make it accessible to students regardless of socio-economic background at: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/student-christian-movement-of-canada-scm-canada/campaign/palestine-solidarity-delegation/

An Obituary for Fred Morgan can be found here.
The family requests charitable donations to the Student Christian Movement or Development & Peace in lieu of flowers. If you would like to donate to SCM in Fred’s memory, you can click this link.

Brewster Kneen’s children have set up a beautiful tribute to his and his wife Cathleen’s life and work at kneen.ca

The ministry and movement of the SCM is supported by countless senior friends, whose legacy is felt by today’s students, even if their names are not known. One of these is recently departed saint Nancy Whitla, a senior friend and lifelong supporter of SCM and WSCF. Involved with the SCM as a young woman, Nancy supported the movement throughout her lifetime, variously serving on the SCM National Board, the GTA SCM advisory board, and the WSCF Board. She was a mentor and supporter of countless young leaders, as well as a formidable fundraiser for the Movement. Nancy’s work established and raised significant amounts for the SCM Endowment Fund, which is instrumental in supporting the SCM financially to this day. In the words of Senior Friend and former General Secretary Sheilagh McGlynn, “I don’t know if the SCM would still be around today without Nancy and the Endowment Fund.” As National Coordinator, when speaking with chaplains and others about re-establishing local units and hiring student coordinators to lead them, I’m often asked with some incredulity “where do you get the money for that?” And so I tell them with gratitude of the tremendous support of Senior Friends, and the Endowment Fund. Thank you, Nancy for making it possible for us to continue helping and empowering students to create inclusive, active faith based community all across this country. 

Here are some specific reflections on Nancy and her legacy, from SCMers who knew her well. If you have a story to share, please tell it in the comments!

“I first met Nancy when we were both on the national Board of the SCM: I was one of the central region representatives, and she was the Senior Friend. It was wonderful to have her lengthy history that gave us insight and wisdom into choices we were making in the early 90s, as well as knowledge about what had happened in the past, and the powerful role that the SCM had played in Christian student development and activism. She was kind, gracious, and had a clear focussed vision about possibilities, without in any way discouraging us from directions that we were moving in.” – Sarah Shepherd

“I had a lot to learn when I began working for SCM in 1995. Nancy took me under her wing and became a gentle teacher and mentor. She was especially wise with finances and budgeting. I was terrible with those things, and she taught me how to budget for myself and for SCM.

I had a kidney stone attack one night when staying at her house. She and Bill drove me to the hospital at 3 am, and she kept me distracted from the pain with her charm and wit.” – Rick Garland

“I have some beautiful memories of Nancy from my time in the WSCF. I remember her as a very kind and gentle woman. She was deeply committed to the SCM and WSCF and I’ve learned a lot from her. I’m sure she will be greatly missed.” – Clarissa (Gigi) Balan

“Nancy was such a staunch and strategic SCMer, hospitable and gracious.” – Michael Wallace

“I got to know Nancy in my years as Ecumenical Chaplain, in 2004-18.  I remember her so well as one of the trio of inspiring women who were the life-blood of SCM U of T advisory board for many years, the other two being Audrey Tobias and Jean Lee. 

I will always remember Nancy’s understated – but not to be underestimated – resolve and dedication, particularly with regard to the SCM and WSCF. She would ask probing questions, always in a spirit of kindness and discernment. Her clarity of insight for SCM was unstinting, generous toward the student leaders, with an unwavering eye on the high goal and purpose of the SCM. May her legacy continue to inspire those of us who follow in her footsteps.” – Ralph Carl Wushke

Is there an SCM Saint who you’d like us to lift up, as a memorial or to celebrate a significant birthday? Please let us know via info@scmcanada.org

On Saturday March 1st at 2 pm EST, SCMers from across the country (and beyond!) will gather to share our memories of & appreciation for the late Very Rev. Lois Wilson. All are welcome to join us!

To RSVP & receive the Zoom joining information, please click here to register, or copy & paste the following into your browser: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUrduyhrTstE9YDYBDymeZQzd7rp_cKJM6y#/registration

We urge institutions of higher learning to take seriously and engage with students’ calls for divestment from companies contributing to and profiting from the Israel-Hamas war. We believe that students have a right to know that their tuition money is not being used to fuel war and to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Palestine. Furthermore, we believe it is the responsibility of all institutions and individuals to refrain from endangering the human rights of others, directly or indirectly.

SCM stands with student protestors, and with all those working and praying for peace in the Middle East and around the globe.

An important reminder: SCM opposes prejudice and oppression in all its forms, including Antisemitism and Islamophobia. We reject any discourse that tries to wield hatred in the service of justice.

We encourage individuals who want to show solidarity with the student encampments at institutions with which they are connected to write to those institutions’ governing bodies to express your solidarity. A template letter adapted from SCM’s solidarity statement is available below:

Dear [Institution Governing Body]

As a(n) [alumni/student/employee/community member] of [institution] and a [member/friend] of The Student Christian Movement, I stand with students on Campuses across Canada who are peacefully and unwaveringly advocating for their institutions to divest from military and arms concerns engaged in the occupation and bombardment of Gaza and the West Bank. As an organization centred on social justice, community in diversity and radical faith in action, the SCM is committed to working towards just and sustainable peace in the Middle East. 

I  urge [institution] to take seriously and engage with students’ calls for [divestment from companies contributing to and profiting from the Israel-Hamas war/ insert specific demands] We believe that students have a right to know that their tuition money is not being used to fuel war and to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Palestine. Furthermore, we believe it is the responsibility of all institutions and individuals to refrain from endangering the human rights of others, directly or indirectly.

I stand with student protestors at [institution], and with all those working and praying for peace in the Middle East and around the globe.

Yours Sincerely,
[Name and Affiliation, if applicable]

I am truly excited this fall to start the school year with an amazing team! Edna Bovas, brilliant theologian, artist and worship leader, will be joining me as co-ordinator at U of T and York this semester. Caroline John, passionate environmental advocate and outreach dynamo, will be partnering with Rev. Dawn Leger to launch an SCM chapter at Ryerson University. Lucky Obasuyi, SCM Nigeria’s Director of International, Interfaith and Government Relations, will be contributing his energetic and visionary leadership at York University this year. Amy R. continues to offer dedicated and creative leadership at York as well.

In a variation on our usual Radical Bible study, we’re looking forward to meeting weekly this fall to reflect on Unsettling the Word, a new anthology of “biblical experiments in decolonization.” The book features over 60 contributors, Indigenous and settler, Christian and non-Christian, including our own SCM Canada General Secretary Peter Haresnape. We hope to wrestle with Christianity’s colonial legacy and explore how we can reclaim the Bible from oppressive theologies. In short, we will be asking, can the Bible be an instrument of liberation for colonized people? (Hint: Most of stories we read in the Bible are about colonized people!)

We’re also looking forward to just hanging out and being community, starting with next week’s board games night at U of T. Hope to see you around!

-Esther Townshend, SCM co-ordinator at York and U of T

Dear WSCF Members and Friends,

We come to you at this time of great need for your prayers and help in providing relief and rebuilding the lives of the flood victims in Kerala, India. Our brothers and sisters in SCM India are mobilizing human and financial resources to reach out and extend their support and act of solidarity to people in the communities in Kerala. We appeal for your help on behalf of our SCMers in India.

Please find below the Appeal Letter from SCM India and details of how you can contribute to their efforts in rebuilding the lives of people. WSCF can also facilitate the immediate transfer of your financial donation to SCM India.  You may visit our new website: www.wscf.ch using the Paypal Account to make a donation indicating that this is for SCM India Kerala Appeal.

On behalf of SCM India, our sincerest gratitude for your kind donation and prayers.

For foreign donors
Account name: Student Christian Movement of India
Account number: 10977252793
Branch name: Bangalore main (813)
IFS Code: SBIN0000813
Swift Code:SBININBB169

One of the easiest ways to boost the profile of the SCM is through the creative and humourous aesthetic of our ‘swag’. Each year we create buttons, stickers, booklets and distribute them at tables on campus, via chaplains, and mailed out to friends across the country.

It’s also one of the ways that we support the artistic and theological gifts of students, giving them the satisfaction of seeing their work in print in the various devotionals.

To get copies of our buttons, simply contact info@scmcanada.org or send a message through the SCM Facebook Page. Let us know what you’d like and how you’ll use them, and we’ll send you a package from our stock!

This year we have a bumper launch of three new collections of button designs!

The #Ecumenerd cluster explores the gifts and joys of the ecumenical movement, and particularly the ways we can understand God and the work of the people of God though our diversity and unity.

• God Can’t Be Locked In A Human-Made Box
• I Need to Compare Bible Translations From Different Denominations
• Jesus Didn’t Belong to Any Denomination (Because He’s Jewish!)
• Diversity Makes Christianity Beautiful.
• Good Things Happen When Christians Work Together
• High Church? Low Church? No Church? No Problem.

Social Justice [Warrior] buttons. In recent years the dismissive phrase ‘Social Justice Warrior’ has been used online to disparage anyone expressing concern for the impoverished and oppressed. But of course, no movement succeeds with only Warriors – we need Bards, Clerics, Rogues and Rangers to make a well-rounded party of allies. Celebrating both the diversity and the sense of fun of anti-racist, feminist, decolonization-minded communities, we created these buttons.

Designs available: “Social Justice…”

• Bard
• Barbarian
• Cleric
• Dragon
• Fighter
• Paladin
• Pirate
• Ranger
• Rogue
• Sorcerer
• Wizard

Finally, we created a set of buttons to honour SCMers who have taken on leadership roles or have overcome obstacles in their time with the Movement. We can now award The SCM Badge for Excellence in everything from Public Speaking, and Poster Making, to Leading a Service, or Interfaithing, and of course, the ever-important Surviving Church Politics.

Contact us to nominate a recipient or propose a new award!

As spring creeps closer, we start to think about our favourite gathering in the year, the Cahoots festival, where we gather as a community of Jesus-focused seekers oriented towards justice with a ‘DIY’ methodology – creating an event that models a society of right relationships, practicing the skills and habits of Shalom/holistic peacemaking, and releasing participants to create change in our world.

This year, the 5th annual festival, we are taking a deep breath and embracing a retreat format. We’ll be having moderated conversations and main speakers to help make space for connection around important conversations about who we are and where we’re going.

Each year we’ve all worked hard and pitched in – from leading worship, washing dishes, arranging carpools and applying for grants – and now it’s time to consider – what is this festival we have created? What is God calling us together to do? What do we need to do the work with grace, joy, and sincerity?

Will you join us for this festival retreat?

Location and tickets

We are very excited to be partnering with Cedar Ridge Camp, after a long search for the most accessible campsite that shares our values. Cedar Ridge is also home to Camp Micah so it comes highly recommended.

We are limited to 80 tickets this year, so please book early if you’re joining us.

Our basic ticket costs $150, with a discounted children’s ticket and options for folks with limited income – email cahoots@scmcanada.org to inquire about subsidized tickets!

And, as always, we rely on donations and grants to help cover additional costs. Please make a donation via the Student Christian Movement (mentioning Cahoots), or when you buy your ticket. Donations over the cost of tickets are tax-deductible!

Schedule and speakers

The festival will welcome three main speakers who will address our theme this year – leaning into discomfort. To have important conversations implies entering into spaces of discomfort, and we need to know why we’re doing this, and how to do it well.

We’ll also have a variety of moderated conversations to explore the theme and consider what leaning into discomfort looks like in your context.

And as ever, we’ll have workshop time to share craft and creativity, bonfires and music, games, dancing and amazing meals!

Our schedule will be oriented around times for worship, contemplation and prayer – with morning gatherings and a Sunday service.

We welcome your ideas, participation and enthusiasm for any of these pieces! To discuss how you can contribute, email cahoots@scmcanada.org.

And don’t forget – pick up your ticket!

Student Christian Movement and Faith Connections are teaming up again to imagine a Retreat for the Easter Season.

Register here by April 10

Using the ‘faith, justice and do-it-yourself’ methodology of our popular Cahoots festival, we’re getting together to explore what it means to be a people of resurrection in the current day and age.

We’ll talk about everything from urban gardening to nonviolent intervention in situations of physical threat. And we’ll share and develop skills to help us build resilient communities.

April 22, 10am – 5:30pm
Cardinal Flahiff Basilian Centre
95 St. Joseph St, Toronto.

Cost: $25 – (if cost is a concern, mention when registering)

Register by April 10 – here