THE EFC UPDATE - 2016.04.05
Uniting Evangelicals to bless Canada in the name of Jesus
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VIDEO: RESPONDING TO EXTREME PROPOSALS ON ASSISTED-SUICIDE
Last week’s EFC webinar explored what to do next, now that a parliamentary committee is proposing Canada put in place one of the most permissive regimes for physician-assisted suicide in the world. Watch the discussion between EFC experts and participants from across Canada at theEFC.ca/WebinarArchive. The moderator, Karen Stiller, also wrote a blog post: Why I rushed home and finally called my Member of Parliament.
LETTER TO THE JUSTICE MINISTER
The EFC sent a letter today to the Justice Minister urging the strictest possible safeguards to minimize the harm to vulnerable Canadians if the government proceeds with legislation allowing euthanasia and assisted suicide. The letter also calls on the Minister to protect the conscience of medical practitioners and institutions in any regime allowing physician-hastened death.
TAKE 20 MINUTES TO PROTECT VULNERABLE CANADIANS
Even after a parliamentary committee made news for recommending expansive access to assisted suicide, some MPs say they’re surprised at how little feedback they’ve received from their constituents (according to a recent EFC blog post). Learn how it can take less than half an hour for you to add your voice on this issue at this crucial time at theEFC.ca/EuthanasiaUrgentAction.
NEW RESOURCE: GIVE YOUR MP THE DETAILS
Now on our website: a briefing kit to equip you and your MP to consider the issues of the new assisted-suicide laws being developed. This collection of PDF documents summarizes the EFC’s key concerns and offers relevant testimony from medical professionals and others. It also includes a summary of the EFC’s submission to the parliamentary committee, two informative EFC blog posts and the text of the Declaration Against Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide. You can use the content for background when you contact your MP, or you can share it with your MP or with others who are concerned about the issue.
PRAY FOR TWU
The EFC is in court this week in Nova Scotia, intervening in support of Trinity Western University and its fight to ensure accreditation for its proposed law school. The Nova Scotia Law Society is one of three law societies that have refused to accredit TWU. The lower court in Nova Scotia ruled in favour of TWU. This week’s case before the Court of Appeal will be heard by a panel of five judges. Pray for our lawyers, for TWU and for the judges as they consider this important case for religious freedom.
INVITE US FOR A VISIT
Consider inviting an EFC speaker for your group or church at theEFC.ca/speakers.
COMING EVENTS AT THEEFC.CA/CALENDAR
→ REconneXion evangelism training, Spruce Grove, Apr. 6, and Grande Prairie, Alta., Apr. 7
→ David Festival of Worship and the Arts, Port Perry, Ont., Apr. 8-10
→ Empowered to Connect simulcast on adoption and fostering, Apr. 8-9
→ The Hope Conference on Mental Illness, Cobourg, Ont., Apr. 9
→ The Spirituality of Suffering, Vancouver, Apr. 9
→ Azusa Now Prayer Gathering, Etobicoke, Ont., Apr. 9
→ Raising Up Gospel-Loving Kids in a Gospel-Hating Culture, Langley, B.C. , Apr. 15-16
MEET YOU IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD
Don McNiven, the EFC’s director of affiliate and donor relations, will be visiting the Winnipeg area the week of April 18, 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.
SERVING OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
Christian professors do more than teach, they also give back to their communities in creative ways, according to an article in the Mar/Apr 2016 issue of Faith Today. Read how Susan Elliott, an expert on water, is helping academics in Africa publish their research; how anthropologist Claudia Launhardt involves herself and her students in a hotel business serving one of Canada’s poorest neighbourhoods; and how sociologist Paul Carline moves between teaching world religions and working with refugees. Read the article and preview the entire issue.
GET BRIAN STILLER’S BOOK WITH THE EFC’S MAGAZINE
For a limited time, when you subscribe to Faith Today, Canada’s Christian magazine, you 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.
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.