Protect Freedom of Religion in Child Welfare System
The EFC has asked Ontario’s Minister of Children and Youth Services to protect freedom of religion and conscience in Bill 89, proposed legislation that will make significant changes to the child welfare system. Read the EFC’s letter to the Minister and to the committee members reviewing Bill 89, Supporting Children, Youth and Families Act, 2017.
New Research on Canadian Evangelicals and Mission Priorities
The EFC and the Canadian Missions Research Forum have released “Canadian Evangelicals and Mission Priorities,” the third report in the Canadian Evangelicals Missions Engagement Study series. The report looks at local church mission priorities and examines the influences behind church mission decisions. You can download a PDF copy for free.
Coalition in Physicians’ Conscience Case
The EFC, The Christian Legal Fellowship (CLF), and the Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario (ACBO) have filed joint legal arguments with the Ontario Divisional Court in the case of the Christian Medical and Dental Society (CMDS) et al. v. the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). The CPSO mandates patient referrals even when these conflict with a doctor’s conscience or religious belief. The EFC and the other joint interveners are supporting the CMDS in its position that the CPSO’s policy violates religious freedom, freedom of conscience and equality, and more. This case is scheduled to be heard in June.
The EFC Debuts New French Magazine
Vivre sa foi is a new French print magazine about to debut from The EFC. The magazine is designed to show the vibrant faith that drives francophone Christians in Canada. Readers who requested copies should expect them soon! Pour plus de détails, contactez notre directeur-Québec, Pierre Bergeron.
EFC’S Director of Affiliate and Donor Relations in B.C.
Don McNiven, our Director of Affiliate and Donor Relations, will be in the Chilliwack, Abbotsford, Langley, Surrey, and Burnaby areas of British Columbia from May 22-26, 2017. If you would like to meet with him to find out more about the EFC or how you can get involved, please email Don. He'd be delighted to connect with you.
Our Whole Society Conference
How an inclusive society provide space for diverse perspectives and practices to be welcomed into the public sphere? Can we advance beyond simple toleration of religious and other differences to embrace a wider respect for all citizens? These are some of the questions to be addressed at the Our Whole Society conference, a multifaith conference supported by the EFC. There’s still time to join the discussion May 8–9, 2017 in Ottawa.
Pursuit Conference Coming to Edmonton
The Pursuit is a 2.5-day conference for Christian ministry leaders organized by the Canadian Council of Christian Charities (an EFC affiliate). It is coming to Edmonton on May 3-5, 2017! The Pursuit is a fantastic opportunity to grow as a leader, sharpen your skills, and connect with Christian leaders from across Canada. Find out more, including how to register, at The Pursuit’s website.
→ Weekend Getaway, from Family Life Canada, Montebello, QC, Apr. 21-23; Halifax, May 5-7
→ Presbyterian Fellowship Renewal Day Conference, Barrie, Apr. 22
→ Ben Witherington III on Scripture, Authority and Ethics, Toronto, Apr. 24-25
→ CYN Youth Worker Resource Lunch Tour, 12 cities across ON and QC, Apr. 25-May 4
→ Last Days Bible Conference, Calgary, Apr. 28-Apr. 29
→ Promise Keepers Canada Legacy Conference, Scarborough, Apr. 29
→ The Pursuit conference, Edmonton, May 3-5
→ EFC’s Rick Hiemstra in Cornwall, ON, May 4
→ Church Library Association of Ontario Spring Conference, Waterloo, May 6
→ Weekend Getaway, from FamilyLife Canada, May 6-7, Halifax
→ Building Our Whole Society: Religion and Citizenship at Canada’s 150th, Ottawa, May 8-9
Add your event to the calendar for free.
Tolerance and Respect: Two Key Principles That Can Help Us Live With Our Differences
Canada is a place of diverse beliefs, and tolerance and respect are important principles that help us live alongside each other despite our differences, says EFC President Bruce Clemenger in the Mar/Apr Faith Today. The battles to protect religious freedom (in the Trinity Western University case) and freedom of conscience (in the case of the Christian Medical and Dental Society et al. v. the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario) show that “the battle for religious freedom is often rooted in the unwillingness to practise tolerance and respect.”
In Case You Missed It
→ Letter of condolence to Coptic Orthodox Church in wake of Egypt church bombings
→ Faith Today is going to Uganda