Calls to action and prayer for Ukraine
Today marks the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Canadian Council of Churches, the EFC and the WEA’s Peace and Reconciliation Network Canada have reaffirmed calls to action for Canadian Christians. The calls for action include prayer and worship, sustaining care for Ukrainians in Canada, engaging governments, and holding to the hope of reconciliation. Read the full letter.
Light in uncertain times
Allison Alley, president and CEO of World Vision Canada, shares ways for Christians to shine a light amidst overwhelming global crises: “Discipleship does not require us to absorb or respond to everything at once. Often, it invites us to pay careful attention to something specific. A place. A people.” Read more at FaithToday.ca/blog.
Safe Church Conference
The Safe Church department of the CRCNA, an EFC affiliate, is hosting its annual conference March 7 in Waterloo, Ont. Those already involved in safe church work or interested in learning more about abuse awareness, prevention and response are welcome to register.
Court to hear religious freedom case
A Quebec court is hearing the Harvest Ministries case this week. This case is about a provincial cabinet minister cancelling the group’s rental agreement of a government-owned convention centre because its pro-life beliefs were deemed contrary to the state's fundamental principles. The EFC is part of a coalition arguing that religious groups should have equal access to public space and not be denied access because of their beliefs.
Please pray for this hearing, which started yesterday and will continue until tomorrow. Pray also for the lawyer presenting arguments on behalf of the EFC.
Read more about the case here.
Bill C-218 debate coming
Bill C-218, an individual MP’s bill to stop MAiD for mental illness alone, is now expected to come up for its second hour of debate in mid-April, followed by a vote. There is still time to contact your MP to ask for support for Bill C-218. This bill will need significant public support to pass. A phone call or email of support to your MP can make a difference. See the EFC's latest blog, An update on MAiD – 4 things to know.
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Langley, B.C., David Guretzki giving the inaugural lecture of the Faith in the Forum annual public lectures at Trinity Western University, Mar. 17
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Ottawa, ON, David Guretzki and Julia Beazley, attending the National Prayer Breakfast, Mar. 24
Additional Christian community calendar events
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Interchurch Prayer Vigil for Ukraine (Square One World Media), Winnipeg, Feb. 24
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Together for Good Marriage Workshop (FLC), Winnipeg, Feb. 27-28
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Coldest Night of the Year Fundraising Walk, nationwide, Feb. 28
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Today’s Teens Conference (YWC), Brampton, Feb. 28
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Toronto Prayer Breakfast, North York, Mar. 3
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WICC World Day of Prayer, Mar. 6
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Equipping the Church for Evangelism (Message Canada), Toronto, Mar. 7
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Safe Church Conference (CRCNA), Waterloo, Mar. 7
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Ontario Prayer Breakfast, Toronto, Mar. 12
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Fehr Family Band Concert (Generation Rising), Leamington, Ont., Mar. 20; Elmira, Ont., Mar. 21; St. Catharines, Ont., Mar. 22; Winkler, Man., Mar. 27; Steinbach, Man., Mar. 29
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Men’s Conference (Impactus), Edmonton, Mar. 14
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Young Christian Leaders Summit, Ottawa, Mar. 22-24
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National Prayer Breakfast, Ottawa, Mar. 24
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Canadian Stories of Transforming Culture (TOWC), online, Mar. 24
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Theology and Ethics of Dietrich Bonhoeffer (McMaster Div), Hamilton, Mar. 25
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EFC Easter Presentation and Prayer Forum with Mark Buchanan, Online, Mar. 26