Update: Hearing in Alberta on Gay-Straight Alliances Law
Yesterday the EFC intervened at an Alberta Court of Appeal hearing on the Alberta law known as Bill 24: An Act to Protect Gay-Straight Alliances. The law, passed in 2017, requires the creation and operation of Gay-Straight Alliance clubs and a requirement schools not communicate certain information to parents about their children’s involvement. Lawyer Albertos Polizogopoulos appeared on behalf of the EFC before a three-judge panel. After the hearing, the judges reserved their decision but noted they would try to deliver it as soon as possible. See our recent interview with Polizogopoulos on this case.
New Canada Watch: The EFC is Arguing for Vigorous Protection for the Vulnerable Right Now in Canada
As 2018 winds down, the EFC is gearing up – with your help – to again speak biblical principles of truth and compassion into several areas of concern for Canadian Evangelicals. When you donate and pray for the EFC, you become an active agent of change in these crucial areas. We are so thankful for your participation. In the December Canada Watch, now available as a free download on our website, you can find a quick recap on what your support has enabled us to do recently, and what we will be working on in the coming weeks.
Also in this Canada Watch, you can read “The difference research makes—Update from Rick Hiemstra on Renegotiating Faith,” “EFC leaders gather on Presidents Day,” “A movie your church can use to spark conversations” and more.
Watch the EFC’s Annual Video Report
Wondering what the EFC has been doing over the last year or how you can pray for us? In our new six-minute video, watch seven EFC leaders take turns sharing what the organization has been doing over the past year.
Christmas Gift-giving Idea: Canada’s Best Christian Journalism
Print subscriptions to the EFC’s award-winning magazine Faith Today are now available for a special Christmas buy-one-get-one offer. Give someone a year's worth of Canada's best Christian journalism for $29.99, and you'll get a second subscription at no cost that you can give to someone else or keep for yourself. Available for a limited time at www.FaithToday.ca/2for1 or call toll-free 1-866-302-3362.
Podcast: Six Takeaways from The Future of Evangelicalism in America
In our latest audio podcast, World Evangelical Alliance Global Ambassador Brian Stiller shares his reflections after an April 2018 gathering of Evangelical leaders in Chicago where the theme was "The Future of Evangelicalism in America." Stiller explains, "At this point in Christian history, American Evangelicals are caught in a situation of their own making. Here are my takeaways."
Generational Change in Church: Biblical Advice for Immigrant Congregations and Beyond
Canada is a nation of immigrants, and many of our churches reflect this reality. Our writer Craig Smith, a pastor and professor in Vancouver, draws on his experience working with immigrant churches to offer biblical advice on generational change in church that is relevant to churches of all backgrounds.
“Where you find divergent cultural values in a church,” he writes, “judge them on only two aspects. To what extent are they in line with Scripture, and to what extent do they contribute to your understanding of God’s mission for your congregation? Where there is a clash of values, can you consider ways in which the less scriptural/missional value can graciously make way for the more scriptural/missional value? Not all these will be an either/or choice."
Read this sample article online and subscribe to get more Christian journalism like this delivered directly to your door.
→ A Story of Faithfulness with Canada Summer Jobs
Publicize your event for free.
→ Hope in the City Breakfast, Vancouver, Dec. 5
→ Have Yourself an After-Hours Christmas, Toronto, Dec. 15 and Dec. 17
→ Canada Chinese Winter Conference, Edmonton, Dec. 27-31
→ Urbana Student Missions Conference, St. Louis, Dec. 27-31
→ P2C Plus Youth Conference, Toronto, Dec. 28-Jan.1
In Case You Missed It
→ Let The Sermon Be Interrupted: A New Approach to Reconciliation (Audio Podcast)
→ MAID and Mature Minors: Reasons not to Expand Access to Assisted Death
→ The Rich History and Profitability of Church Cookbooks (Faith Today article)