We hope you had a restful long weekend. Welcome to our roundup of the top news and content from the EFC over the past month. You can find:
-
a statement about a concerning new policy that forbids military chaplains from referencing God in public spiritual reflections
-
news about a successful legal intervention in a religious freedom case
-
why now is a crucial time to contact your MP on MAiD for mental illness
-
headlines from the Aug/Sep Canada Watch newsletter
-
an update on some legal cases the EFC has engaged with
-
our latest blogs and events
New policy bans military chaplains from referencing God at events
A new Canadian Armed Forces policy forbids military chaplains from referring to God or the divine in spiritual reflections at public and military events. The EFC outlines its concerns with this approach in a statement. We are asking for the policy to be rescinded and replaced with an approach that recognizes the plurality of beliefs among Armed Forces members, including those who believe in God.
EFC welcomes decision in Harvest Ministries case
A Quebec court decision released on Friday has found that the cancellation of Harvest Ministries International’s rental agreement violated their freedom of expression. The ministry’s contract to rent the Quebec City convention centre for an event was cancelled by a Quebec cabinet minister who deemed the organization’s pro-life beliefs to be contrary to the “fundamental principles” of the state. The EFC was a co-intervener in this case and welcomes this decision. Read more about the case
Crucial time to act on MAiD for mental illness
On March 17, 2027, the law allowing MAiD for mental illness will take effect unless a bill delays or stops it. A parliamentary committee has recommended the government indefinitely delay MAiD for mental illness in a report tabled in June. This summer, the Justice Minister is considering whether or not to adopt the recommendation. Now is a critical time to engage: Ask your MP to delay MAiD for mental illness indefinitely or to completely reverse the law that allows it.
Latest Canada Watch
The Aug/Sep Canada Watch newsletter includes an update on the Faith Matters workshops, the EFC’s regional public gatherings on critical and pressing issues for local believers. You can also learn about a new pastoral needs study initiated by the EFC Centre for Research and an upcoming documentary about the Reconciliation Proclamation. EFC Vice-President Rick Hiemstra shares a note about EFC participation in court cases, and you can read how the Abuse Prevention Network equips leaders.
Read past issues of Canada Watch or subscribe at TheEFC.ca/CanadaWatch.
Legal update
Court October 9 in the
Vabuolas case, which addresses whether the state can compel religious communities to release confidential records about decision-making on purely religious matters. The EFC will argue that Charter protections enable faith communities to deliberate, pray and make decisions on purely spiritual matters with the expectation of confidentiality.
This spring a B.C. lower court finished hearing a significant case related to conscience protection. The Providence Health Care case involves a family and some euthanasia advocates challenging the B.C. government policy that allows faith-based facilities not to provide euthanasia. The EFC argued for a Christian hospital to be able to provide health care without compromising its Christian ethic. The decision in this case will determine whether faith-based health care facilities can be MAiD-free spaces.
Latest blogs: The Odyssey, Christian resource recommendations
The most anticipated film of the year, The Odyssey, is also one of the oldest stories known to humankind, writes film reviewer Adam Kline in a reflection at FaithToday.ca.
Christian texts, video and audio resources can increase our appreciation of Scripture, writes PhD candidate Jonathan Tysick as he shares eight free resources that helped him engage with the Bible in fresh ways.
EFC staff engagements this month
-
Wesley Acres Family Camp, Rick Hiemstra (VP, Ministry and Public Engagement) giving a workshop, on research highlights from four recent studies, August 4-7
-
Mission Creek Alliance Church, Kelowna, B.C., Phil Wagler (Global Liaison) speaking at Sunday service, August 9
-
Wesleyan Church Atlantic District, Julia Beazley (Director of Public Policy) and Beth Hiemstra (Policy Advisor) giving a briefing on MAiD for mental illness, August 13
-
Stanley Park Baptist Church, Don McNiven (EFC Regional Director, Central Canada) updating affiliate church on EFC issues, August 16
-
Elgin Street Baptist Church, Julia Beazley (Director of Public Policy), speaking about Bill C-9 and MAiD, August 24
Find more Canadian Christian community events and post your own at TheEFC.ca/Calendar.