EFC Update Newsletter January 20

Bill C-9 and definition of hatred

The EFC has a new resource on Bill C-9. We’re concerned this bill would remove an important safeguard for religious expression. We believe the bill’s definition of hatred must be more careful and limited in scope. Download our two-pager with tips to contact your MP at TheEFC.ca/C-9.

Resisting antisemitism

With antisemitism rising globally, EFC President David Guretzki guides readers back to a biblical understanding of the Jewish people and the Jewish roots of our faith: “Christians should sense real moral danger when Jews are either subject to contempt or portrayed as persons without fault.” Read his full column in the Jan/Feb Faith Today.

Historical evidence for believing the Gospels

Many everyday Canadians doubt the legitimacy of the Bible, but did you know there are some well-researched answers that can address those doubts? PhD student William Horton tackles six basic questions about the reliability of the the Gospels in a new Faith Today blog post.

ATR Podcast: If everyone were like you, would Congo be healed?

Jean d'Amour Mpore, next generation disciplemaker and migration leader with the Peace and Reconciliation Network Europe, joined PRN global director Phil Wagler to discuss his experience of healing the wounds of identity as a displaced Congolese child. He also shared about his journey to working with youth and churches in Germany facing the realities of immigration. Listen to the full podcast at AllThingsReconciled.ca/Podcast.

Scrolling through swords

West Coast podcaster and writer Melanie Beerda reflects on choosing our words carefully in the latest Faith Today blog.

Coming Events at TheEFC.ca/Calendar

• Online, Porn and Relationships: A Digital Dignity Webinar, with guests Daniel and Tanya Komori, Jan. 29 at 8:30 p.m. EST

• Ottawa, EFC President David Guretzki, sermon about medical assistance in dying at Arlington Woods Free Methodist Church, Feb. 1

• Burlington, Ont., David Guretzki on the EFC’s work, virtual presentation to the Burlington Evangelical Ministerial, Feb. 19

Additional Christian community calendar events

• Commemorating the 1995 Sacred Assembly, Winnipeg, Jan. 23-25

• The Science of Forgiveness: Intersections with Christian Worship and Life (ASA/CSCA), Jan. 24, online

• Mitigating NIMBYism Through Faith-Based Community Building (Indwell/Evangel Hall), Jan. 27

• Apologetics Canada Conference, Burnaby, Jan. 30-31

• Youthworker Conference Saskatoon, Jan. 30-31; Abbotsford, Feb. 6-7

• Marriage Ministry Workshop (Family Life Canada), online, Jan. 31

• Rencontre au Sommet (francophone prayer summit), Granby, Feb. 2-3

• Missionfest Manitoba, Winnipeg, Feb. 6-8

• Engage Difference! Deepening understanding for intercultural ministry (CCC), Chilliwack, Feb. 9-12

• Mission Fest BC, Chilliwack, Feb. 12-14

• Pastors & Leaders Prayer Forum (BGEA), online, Feb. 18

• Canadian Stories of Transforming Culture (TOWC), online, Feb. 24

• Together for Good Marriage Workshop (Family Life Canada), Winnipeg, Feb. 27-28

• Coldest Night of the Year Fundraising Walk, nationwide, Feb. 28

• Today’s Teens, Brampton, Feb. 28