EFC Statement on Edmonton and Las Vegas Attacks
The EFC is grieved to learn of what appears to be a terrorist attack the past weekend in Edmonton. Furthermore, we express our deepest condolences to all the families, friends and communities who lost loved ones due to the shootings in Las Vegas that took place on October 1. Read the full statement here.
Denominational Conversation on the TRC
EFC Vice-Presidents David Guretzki and Aileen van Ginkel will be at Canadian Mennonite University in Winnipeg later this week to facilitate a conversation about denominational efforts on reconciliation with Indigenous communities, particularly in response to the recommendations for churches by Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The conversation with denominational leaders will consider possible collaborative strategies to increase the engagement of Canadian Evangelicals with reconciliation.
Bill C-51 Removing Protection for Clergy
Bill C-51, intended to remove redundant or out-of-date provisions from the Criminal Code, would also remove specific protection for clergy and religious services. The EFC has information and a sample letter to MPs that you can use to ask for changes to Bill C-51 to maintain these protections.
The EFC’s Julia Beazley on CBC Radio
Julia Beazley, the EFC’s Director of Public Policy, spoke on CBC radio’s Mainstreet last week about online pornography (at the 10:58 mark). Beazley spoke of the impact of violent pornography on children, as well as adults, and suggested ways to address the harms.
Evidence Against Expanding Assisted Suicide
The EFC has submitted evidence against expanding euthanasia and assisted suicide to mature minors, those with a mental illness as the sole underlying condition and by advance request. The government has asked the non-profit Council for Canadian Academies (CCA) to study this issue and report back to Parliament. See the EFC’s brief to the CCA and backgrounder of evidence on our website.
Webinar on Pornography Recovery
Do you or a person you care about need help to move away from the use of pornography? Join us on Wednesday, October 18 at noon EST, for this free EFC webinar featuring Toni Dolfo-Smith, Vancouver-based founder and executive director of Journey Canada, and Dianne Kuglin, a Medicine Hat-based addictions counsellor. Register here. Find recordings of past webinars at www.TheEFC.ca/Webinars.
Tough Call in a Tough World
Baroness Caroline Cox is an international humanitarian who works in some of the world’s most difficult places. She spoke to us on our latest podcast about her motivation, fears and challenge to us as Christians who care about the world.
Day of Prayer for Religious Freedom
Sunday, Nov. 26 is a day set apart to pray for the successful resolution of the Trinity Western University law school case, which will be heard in the Supreme Court of Canada on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. This day of prayer is an initiative of the EFC and the Canadian Council of Christian Charities. Because of the broad potential implications of this case, it is also a day to pray for the future of religious freedom in Canada. Download a free one-page PDF that summarizes the facts and explains why this is important at www.TheEFC.ca/ReligiousFreedom2017. Please reproduce it for your church or other group.
Key Skills for Serving in a Leadership Role at Church
Dr. Rick Franklin, vice-president of Arrow Leadership Ministries, shares the top five skills every church leader should nurture. He suggests aspiring church leaders learn to lead from a strong spiritual foundation, know where they are headed, serve sacrificially, communicate clearly, and thank continually!
This article is published in Faith Today, Canada’s Christian magazine, which is currently offering 2-for-1 gift subscriptions at www.FaithToday.ca/2for1. Buy a gift that lasts all year! Discounted offer only available for a limited time.
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→ Journey to Wholeness; Ascent & Descent, Mono, Oct. 5
→ Change Conference for Youth, Toronto, Oct. 13-14
→ Saturate – the Gospel in everyday life, Montréal, Oct. 13-14
→ EFC Webinar: Recovery from pornography, online, Oct. 18
→ Muslim Ministry in a Complicated World, Chicago, Oct. 18-21
→ Global Leadership Summit, Willow Creek, simulcast, various locations, Oct. 19-20
→ Children’s Ministry Seminar: Creative Ways to Equip the Next Generation, Oct. 21
→ Gather Rise 2017, Surrey, Oct. 21
→ Write Canada Online 2017, online, Oct. 21
→ Promise Keepers Canada All In Conference, Calgary, Oct. 21
→ Conference Ministère auprès des enfants/Youth Ministry Conference, Montréal, Oct. 21; Sherbrooke, Oct. 28
→ Be kind to those in your church living with mental illness and mental health challenges
→ Is your daughter safer at a Christian college?
→ Ten things about sexual assault students should know
In Case You Missed It
→ Webinar: This Fall’s Social Issues
→ Remembering David Mainse
→ Call for Conscience Campaign in Manitoba
→ Behind the scenes with our “Helping Children After Divorce” story
→ Fearless: Christians are part of culture and culture is part of us