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December 12, 2017

12 December 2017

Bill C-51 Passes in House of Commons

The House of Commons has agreed to keep the Criminal Code protection for religious officials and worship. Bill C-51 was passed yesterday, with MPs from all parties supporting the Criminal Code protection of religious officials and worship. Bill C-51 will now be debated and voted on in the Senate. Please consider writing to your MP to thank them for hearing the concerns of religious Canadians. Read more about the EFC's efforts urging the government to maintain the offences of interfering with religious officials and disturbing religious worship meetings. 

Palliative Care Bill C-277 Passes in Senate

The EFC is pleased that Bill C-277, which requires a palliative care framework to be developed, has passed in the Senate. We hope this will bring needed support and attention to end-of-life care. Not long ago the EFC sent a letter, together with leaders from the Jewish, Catholic and Muslim communities, to all Senators encouraging them to support the bill. The EFC also joined other faith groups in an interfaith call for a palliative care strategy.

Theological Lessons from the TWU Law School Case

The judges in the Trinity Western University Law School case will be deliberating their decision for several months. As we wait, we can think about the implications of this case for the Church, regardless of the justices’ verdict. EFC resident theologian David Guretzki attended the TWU hearings. Read his reflections

Janet Epp Buckingham Interview on TWU Court Case Hearings

In this podcast, Janet Buckingham shares her impressions of the Trinity Western case and how the hearings went, as well as what the Canadian Christian community can expect in the months to come. Janet Buckingham directs TWU’s Laurentian Leadership Centre in Ottawa. She is also a lawyer who helped develop the proposal for a law school at TWU. For additional resources on the EFC’s intervention in this case, visit www.TheEFC.ca/TWUlaw.

Farmer Field School in Rwanda

Canadian Foodgrains Bank works in 40 countries around the world. Giselle Randall, a writer for Faith Today, went to one of them to see the work firsthand. She shares how the support of Canadian churches through the Foodgrains Bank is helping Rwandans to learn sustainable practices for growing food.

Two Christmas Gifts for the Price of One

Only two weeks left before Christmas! Faith Today, Canada’s Christian magazine, has a special offer of two gift subscriptions for the price of one! Get details at our 2for1 webpage or by calling toll-free 1-866-302-3362. EFC magazine subscriptions are great for all ages, since they include both Faith Today and our youth magazine, Love Is Moving.

EFC Director in Southwestern Ontario

Don McNiven, the EFC’s Director of Affiliate and Donor Relations, is in Chatham, Aylmer, Ingersoll, Simcoe, Hagersville and Brantford this week from today until Friday.  In the New Year, Don will be visiting Toronto, the GTA, Oakville, Brampton and Georgetown from January 15-19. From February 5-9 he will be visiting the GTA, Richmond Hill, and Markham.  From March 5-9 Don will be visiting Calgary.  If you’re interested in a visit, contact his assistant Bonnie Knoll. 

Coming Events at TheEFC.ca/calendar

Publicize your event for free.

→ Christmas Spectacular Concert, North York, Dec. 16
→ Canada Chinese Christian Winter Conference, Edmonton, Dec. 27-31
→ P2C Plus Youth Conference, Richmond Hill, Dec. 28-Jan. 1
→ Understanding and Answering Islam, online & streamed at various churches live, Jan. 12-13
→ Strategic Management Certificate Course, Toronto, four Saturdays starting Jan. 13
→ Becoming Whole: Relational Healing and Transformation in Christ, Pierrefonds, Jan. 18-20
→ Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, worldwide, Jan. 18-25
→ Canadian Youth Workers Conference, Surrey, Jan. 19-20

In Case You Missed It

→ EFC President Bruce Clemenger video update from Supreme Court, Day 1 of TWU Law School hearings, Day 2 of TWU Law School hearings
→ Podcast: Andrew Klavan Interviewed by James Beverley
Dispatch from Brian Stiller: The Dark Continent Calls
Searching for Home: How a Temporary Life Offers a More Permanent Hope
Advent is a robust and demanding spiritual season
Maybe the church should make a spectacle of itself more often