Welcome to our June monthly roundup of the EFC Update, where you’ll find:
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where Bill C-9 currently stands and what the EFC is doing
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how generative AI challenges our understanding of humanity and how Christians should respond
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new Faith Today Podcast episodes with One Way Ministries and The Pastorate
Bill C-9 in Senate
Editor's Update: The Senate committee finished its study of Bill C-9 last night after we recorded the monthly roundup video.
The Senate committee did not recommend adding clarity and protections for religious expression to the bill. A motion to maintain the religious belief defence did not pass. Please continue to pray as Bill C-9 returns to the full Senate and there is a final opportunity for changes to the bill.
The EFC appeared before the Senate committee on Bill C-9 last Thursday. Thank you for your prayers. Your support was felt and deeply appreciated.
EFC realigns structure
Watch the EFC's 5-minute presentation and visit TheEFC.ca/C9 to read our written submission with the changes we recommend, what Bill C-9 does and how Christians can respond.
The EFC adjusted its structure starting June 1 to align with its 2025-28 strategic plan, summarized in the new EFC tagline “Calling Evangelicals to greater visible unity in gospel witness.”
The newly consolidated department of Ministry and Public Engagement, covering many core functions, is led by Rick Hiemstra, now promoted to vice-president. Other VPs include Cecilia Wu (Philanthropy and Affiliation, also promoted) and Karen Fishwick (Finance and Operations).
The Centre for Faith and Public Life continues its crucial work on Parliament Hill and in our courts, still led by Julia Beazley. The Centre for Research on Church and Faith continues its partnership-based research, now headed by Lindsay Callaway.
A new department of communications and marketing is led by both Joel Gordon and Bill Fledderus, while EFC president remains David Guretzki. Find all the details at TheEFC.ca/ORG26.
AI challenges our understanding of creativity, humanity
How should we think about generative AI? How is it challenging our Christian understanding of creativity and prompting us to consider more carefully how we are created in the image of God? How should Christians respond to this revolutionary technology? Faith Today communications assistant Abby Ciona tackles these questions and more in a recent blog.
New FT Podcast episodes: One Way Ministries and The Pastorate
On a recent Faith Today Podcast, Mark Peterkins, executive director of One Way Ministries in Ottawa, shares about initiatives such as Pray Ottawa, Love Ottawa, the Big Give, and networks for workplace and pastoral leaders. One Way Ministries connects and equips leaders and helps spur on gospel action in the Ottawa region and beyond.
In another episode, host Bill Fledderus speaks with Vancouver’s Jason Ballard, the director and founder of The Pastorate (formerly Canadian Church Leaders Network). The Pastorate comes alongside pastors in Canada, strengthening them to equip them for a lifetime of ministry.
Listen to all episodes at FaithToday.ca/Podcast.
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Wellesley, Ont., Phil Wagler preaching at Mapleview Mennonite Church, June 7
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London, Ont., Phil Wagler speaking on Being a Light in Society at the plenary session of the Mission Thrift Store Conference, June 9-10
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Winnipeg, Rick Hiemstra speaking at the Lutheran-Church Canada Regular Convention, June 12-15
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Lyn, Ont., Lindsay Callaway to speak on the Women in the Canadian Evangelical Church study at the Central Canada District Conference of the Wesleyan Church of Canada, June 19
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Toronto, Roger Helland teaching a Modular Doctor of Ministry Course at Tyndale Seminary, June 21-26