The EFC Files Legal Arguments in Case Challenging CPSO’s Referral Policy
Last week, the EFC, the Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario and the Christian Legal Fellowship filed legal arguments with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. They are supporting a legal challenge to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO)’s requirement that doctors provide referrals or conduct procedures that violate their consciences. A constitutional challenge was launched by five doctors, Christian Medical Dental Society, and two other physicians’ groups. The case is scheduled to be heard in June, and the decision could be precedent-setting for how professional associations treat conscientious objection.
The EFC Asks for Conscience Protection for Ontario Health-care Workers
The EFC submitted a brief last week to the Ontario Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs on March 30, 2017, saying that being forced to participate in hastened death violates deeply held beliefs. The EFC is asking for conscience protection for health-care workers and facilities to be added to Ontario Bill 84.
The EFC Debuts New French Magazine
Vivre sa foi is a new French print magazine about to debut from the EFC. The magazine is designed to show the vibrant faith that drives francophone Christians in Canada. Vivre sa foi will be published in April 2017. Sign up now to order multiple free copies for your church or organization.
Government Report Flags Pornography
Last fall, the EFC condensed some of our research and concerns about the impact of violent pornography on violence against young women and girls into a submission to the Status of Women committee. The Status of Women committee recently released its report, which notes the EFC’s submission. While it does not focus extensively on the issue of pornography, the report recommends two ways to limit the harm and find out more about the impact of violent and degrading pornography. Read more in our blog.
Our Whole Society Conference
How an inclusive society provide space for diverse perspectives and practices to be welcomed into the public sphere? Can we advance beyond simple toleration of religious and other differences to embrace a wider respect for all citizens? These are some of the questions to be addressed at the Our Whole Society conference, a multifaith conference supported by the EFC. There’s still time to join the discussion May 8–9, 2017 in Ottawa.
Pursuit Conference Coming to Edmonton
The Pursuit is a 2.5-day conference for Christian ministry leaders organized by the Canadian Council of Christian Charities (an EFC affiliate). It is coming to Edmonton on May 3-5, 2017! The Pursuit is a fantastic opportunity to grow as a leader, sharpen your skills, and connect with Christian leaders from across Canada. Find out more, including how to register, at The Pursuit’s website.
→ Man of the Shroud Exhibit, Kanata, Apr. 4-11
→ Weekend Getaway, from Family Life Canada, Banff, Apr. 7-9
→ All-In: Creating a Culture of Orphan Care, Hamilton, ON, Apr. 8
→ Iron Sharpens Iron Men’s Equipping Conference, Coquitlam, Apr. 8
→ Promise Keepers Canada Legacy Conference, St. Catharines, Apr. 8
→ EFC Ambassador Neil Siemens in Innisfail, Alberta, Apr. 9
→ Freshwind Youth Conference, Toronto, Apr. 13-15
→ Presbyterian Fellowship Renewal Day Conference, Barrie, Apr. 22
→ Ben Witherington III on Scripture, Authority and Ethics, Toronto, Apr. 24-25
→ CYN Youth Worker Resource Lunch Tour, 12 cities across ON and QC, Apr. 25-May 4
Add your event to the calendar for free.
The Beauty of Women Mentoring Women (and Men Can Mentor, Too!)
Paul calls for older women to mentor younger women (Titus 2:3), and many of today’s Millennials long to be mentored. But how can the church encourage and build strong mentoring relationships? Alex Newman’s article on mentoring in the Mar/Apr Faith Today shares suggestions from Christians who are experienced with mentoring, with advice for male mentors from Promise Keepers and Arrow Leadership.
In Case You Missed It
→ Open letter to Ontario MPPs on conscience protection
→ Call to prayer for the people of London, U.K. in the wake of terror attacks
→ Motion M103 to condemn Islamophobia passes – EFC thoughts
→ Seven great reasons to grab hold of the May/June Faith Today