THE EFC UPDATE - 2016.04.19
Uniting Evangelicals to bless Canada in the name of Jesus
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EFC RESPONSE TO ASSISTED-SUICIDE LAW
The Canadian government’s proposal to legalize assisted suicide (Bill C-14) has serious societal implications that need more discussion, according to the EFC’s April 14 media release (aussi disponible en français). “We are very concerned because international experience demonstrates that safeguards cannot be completely effective in ensuring there are no wrongful deaths,” says EFC President Bruce J. Clemenger. “Decriminalizing assisted suicide and euthanasia places vulnerable people at risk.” The EFC would prefer to see Parliament reintroduce a ban on euthanasia. If the current bill goes ahead, at least it needs to add protection for the conscience rights of medical professionals.
INTERFAITH RESPONSE TO ASSISTED-SUICIDE LAW
The EFC joined other religious leaders to express their shared opposition and concerns regarding proposed legislation on physician-assisted dying. A news conference on Parliament Hill today included the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, the EFC, Canadian Council of Imams and representatives from the Salvation Army and Canada's Jewish communities. See their joint media release (aussi disponible en français).
EFC WEBINAR: EVANGELICALS AROUND THE WORLD
Register now for tomorrow’s free webinar (Apr. 20, 2016 at noon Eastern). Join Brian Stiller, global ambassador for the World Evangelical Alliance, to discuss what he’s learned from his travels and his work on Evangelicals Around the World: A Global Handbook for the 21st Century as well as An Insider’s Guide to Praying for the World. Let’s talk about what we can learn from our brothers and sisters around the world: theEFC.ca/webinars.
TAKE 20 TO PROTECT VULNERABLE CANADIANS
It can take less than half an hour for you to make sure your MP knows your views about assisted suicide at this crucial time. Get all the tools you need at theEFC.ca/EuthanasiaUrgentAction.
REFUGEE CRISIS: A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
How have churches and church leadership responded to the Refugee Crisis? Missio Nexus recently held two webinars on the topic, one focused on Europe and another beyond Europe. The EFC made a presentation in this non-European webinar, as did representatives from the World Evangelical Alliance, Brazil and the United States. Read the EFC’s presentation about Canada’s response to Syrian refugees.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND PORNOGRAPHY
The EFC’s Julia Beazley will make a presentation at Equip Against Human Trafficking, May 1 in Newmarket, Ont. She will discuss the impacts of pornography, how it contributes to sexual exploitation and how we can fight it. Consider inviting an EFC speaker for your group or church at theEFC.ca/speakers.
COMING EVENTS AT THEEFC.CA/CALENDAR
→ REconneXion evangelism training, various, Nova Scotia, Apr. 19-21
→ World Vision Church Leaders Forum, Cambridge/Toronto, Apr. 19/20; Regina/Saskatoon, Apr. 21/22
→ EFC Webinar: Evangelicals Around the World, Apr. 20
→ Apologetics Canada Conference 2016, Barrie, Apr. 22-23
→ Thinking 2016 Toronto Conference, Mississauga, Apr. 22-23
→ B.C. Leadership Prayer Breakfast, Vancouver, Apr. 22
→ A Day Together Marriage Workshop, Calgary, Apr. 23
→ Conférence Écrivains Chrétiens du Québec, Montréal, Apr. 23
→ Influence to Impact Business Conference, Kitchener-Waterloo, Apr. 23
→ Creation and the Gospel, Abbotsford, Apr. 24-25
→ Write Canada (Toronto) earlybird deadline, April 30
MEET YOU IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD
Don McNiven, the EFC’s director of affiliate and donor relations, is visiting the Winnipeg area this week, moving on to Ontario during May and then New Brunswick and Nova Scotia the week of June 6. He would be delighted to visit with supporters there to discuss the programs of the EFC and a current research extension of the Canadian Bible Engagement Study. Contact him at McNivenD@theEFC.ca or call 416-902-9110.
WE DON’T SEEK TO IMPOSE OUR MORALITY
Christians should be free to speak out against assisted suicide without being accused of seeking to impose our morality on other Canadians, according to the latest column in Faith Today by EFC President Bruce J. Clemenger. Read it in our digital edition. To get the print editions, see below for a special offer.
GET BRIAN STILLER’S BOOK WITH THE EFC’S MAGAZINE
Subscribe to Faith Today, Canada’s Christian magazine, before the end of April and you will also get a free copy of An Insider’s Guide to Praying for the World. This book is written by Brian Stiller, founder of Faith Today and now global ambassador for the World Evangelical Alliance. His new book identifies prayer needs and tells encouraging stories of Christian missions. This magazine and book combination will make you better informed, equipped and connected! As an added bonus you’ll also get a subscription to our free new youth magazine, Love Is Moving. Details at FaithToday.ca/subscriptions or toll-free 1-866-302-3362.
LATEST POSTS AT FAITHTODAY.CA/BLOG
→ Dear Fundraiser... A letter from Christians who give, by Rod Wilson
COULD YOUR CONGREGATION AFFILIATE? Congregations that affiliate with the EFC take a public stand for religious freedom, collaboration for ministry effectiveness, and the importance of bringing biblical principles to Canadian law and public policy. Join hundreds of other congregations from more than 40 denominations at work in “uniting Evangelicals to bless Canada in the name of Jesus” at theEFC.ca/affiliate.