January 2009/ Volume 2 / Issue 2

Trends in Faith, Works, Charity and Religious Liberty in Canada

Relationships are dynamic, and the relationships that Canadian Evangelicals have with the broader community are constantly changing. In this issue of Church & Faith Trends, John Stackhouse looks at changes in evangelical self-definition and how that impacts our relationship with the broader culture.  Bruce Clemenger looks at trends in the Canadian government’s understanding of the advancement of religion and why these proposed changes cannot be reconciled with an evangelical understanding of ministry and mission. Rick Hiemstra looks at trends in evangelical giving and volunteering, which illustrate that evangelical religious commitment produces benefits for all of society. Finally, Faye Sonier and Rick Hiemstra look at trends in the development of Canadian case law and its implications for evangelical churches and ministries. Understanding the trends that impact the landscape in which they operate will help Evangelicals to be more effective in shaping God-honouring ministry and mission practices in Canada.

Evangelicalism and the Advancement of Religion
by Bruce J. Clemenger, President, The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada; International Council Secretary, World Evangelical Alliance
"Advancement of Religion" is the "charitable head" under which most evangelical churches and ministry organizations are registered with the Canada Revenue Agency. What does "advancing religion" mean; is it more than just worship services and Bible study?

Heintz v. Christian Horizons: Stripping the Biblical Mission from Evangelical Christian Ministries
by Faye Sonier, Associate Legal Counsel, Centre for Faith and Public Life, and Rick Hiemstra, Director, Centre for Research on Canadian Evangelicalism
In April 2008, the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario released a decision which has the potential to dramatically change the way Evangelical Christian ministries operate in Ontario. This article critically examines the Tribunal’s decision and findings, and explores the practical implications this decision has for the province of Ontario.

Evangelicalism and Fundamentalism
by John G. Stackhouse, Jr., Senior Advisor, Centre for Research on Canadian Evangelicalism; Chee Professor of Theology and Culture, Regent College
"Many people fear Evangelicals, ... indeed, the most common term for such frightening people is 'fundamentalist.' So what is Evangelicalism, particularly the Canadian variety, and how is it related to fundamentalism?"

Evangelical Giving and Volunteering
by Rick Hiemstra, Director, Centre for Research on Canadian Evangelicalism
Evangelical Christians contribute to their communities in giving and volunteering at rates and levels far above the national average. Data from Statistics Canada suggests that it is their faith that motivates them. 

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