Print Magazine Subscriptions Now Free in Canada
Canadian print subscriptions to our award-winning magazines Faith Today and Love Is Moving are now free as of May 1, 2020! Find out why Christians across more than 40 denominations have trusted our periodicals for more than 40 years. Existing subscribers will be automatically transferred to the new free subscriptions. If you don’t already get our print magazines, sign up today at www.faithtoday.ca/subscribefree.
Letter to Federal Ministers on Funding for Anti-Trafficking Programs
The EFC has sent a letter to federal ministers expressing concern that funding will be discontinued for several programs across Canada that help women and girls escape sexual exploitation and trafficking. Read the full letter.
Submission on Proposed Calgary Bylaw Banning Conversion Therapy
A Calgary City Council committee held hearings on a proposed bylaw to ban conversion therapy in May 2020. The EFC’s written submission to the committee noted that “coercive and involuntary efforts to change sexual orientation have no place in our communities” but expressed concern that the bylaw’s definition of conversion therapy is so broadly worded it infringes on freedom of expression.
The EFC urged the committee to amend the definition of conversion therapy and to clarify that the bylaw does not capture religious instruction, parental guidance and supportive services for individuals wishing to order their sexual lives in accordance with their religious conscience, faith identity and personal convictions. Download the pdf of the EFC's submission.
Condolences on the Passing of Ravi Zacharias
The EFC sends our deepest condolences to the staff and supporters of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, whose founder Ravi Zacharias died this morning from cancer. Zacharias has had close ties with Canada since the 1970s when he earned a degree at what is now Tyndale University and went on to work as an evangelist and itinerant preacher for the Christian and Missionary Alliance. He also founded RZIM in Toronto in 1984. The international headquarters of this apologetics ministry are now in Atlanta. Condolences also to the Zacharias family who also live there.
New Blog Shares Stories, Brings Together Voices of Peacemaking
A new twice-monthly blog has been launched. The Reconciling Blog shares stories and brings together Canadian voices of peacemaking in order to inspire and equip the church. The blog is a partnership between the EFC and the Peace and Reconciliation Network of the World Evangelical Alliance. Read the current issue.
World Evangelical Alliance Global Ambassador Brian Stiller on Hope in Crisis—Episode 2
The COVID-19 pandemic is a time of uncertainty, anxiety, financial loss and personal grief for many. But Brian Stiller reminds us hope isn’t merely an empty word. It signifies all the promises of God, in which we can rejoice: “My friend, pause, put down your fear, set aside your anxiety, not by pretending things around you aren’t as bad as they are. But by knowing now, in this moment, that the God of creation is with you, he is your defense, protector and above all, a friend.”
New Podcast: Spiritual Disciplines with Carolyn Arends
Carolyn Arends, author, speaker, songwriter and director of education for Renovaré, speaks to us about her work and the beautiful freedom of spiritual disciplines.
Walking in the Shadow of Death
As the world grapples with uncertainty over the pandemic, EFC President Bruce Clemenger explains how Scripture, prayer and waiting on God help Christians renew our strength and become a beacon to the anxious world.
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→ Understanding Millennials on Religion, online, May 22
→ Religious, Spiritual, Secular: Living in a Pluralistic Culture, online conference from Vancouver School of Theology, May 24-27
→ Day of Prayer for Christian Camps, May 31
→ The Big Give 2020, nationwide, June 6
→ Ending Poverty Together online workshop, June 11
→ World Refugee Sunday, June 14, June 21
Publicize your event for free on our calendar and we will also share it in this email newsletter.
An Online Seminary Course? Why Not?
Online course registrations are now open for many seminaries and Christian postsecondary institutions. Several are listed on our online calendar (TheEFC.ca/Calendar).
Be sure to check the website of your preferred institution for more learning opportunities. Or visit www.checonline.ca to search a database of Canadian Christian online courses and choose for example from 118 undergraduate courses available in summer 2020.
In Case You Missed It
→ The EFC’s curated collection of pandemic resources for churches (contributions welcome)
→ The FT Interview with Danielle Strickland (Faith Today article)
→ An open letter to evangelicals (Dispatch from Brian Stiller)
→ Feeling a little “off” at home these days? (audio podcast)