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February 14, 2017

14 February 2017

CONSCIENCE RIGHTS OF HEALTH CARE WORKERS 

The EFC is in court this month seeking intervenor status in a case to protect the conscience rights of doctors. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario is requiring doctors to provide an effective referral for procedures such as euthanasia or assisted suicide even when they go against a doctor’s conscientious objection. Read more about a court challenge launched by Christian doctors (Evangelicals and Catholics) and several organizations in the Feb/Mar 2017 issue of Canada Watch.

GOVERNMENT STUDY OF RACISM AND RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION?

The EFC is tracking a private member’s motion (M-103) in the House of Commons that would condemn Islamophobia and mandate a government study on systemic racism and religious discrimination. The EFC today posted information about the motion, along with recommendations for contacting your MP about any concerns you may have, at TheEFC.ca/Statements.

PORTRAYAL OF MENNONITES IN NEW CBC TV SERIES, PURE

What do Mennonites think of the depiction of their faith group in the new CBC TV series, Pure? Mennonite Church Canada, an EFC affiliate, has written an article objecting to the stereotyping of Mennonites as drug traffickers. Read it at TheEFC.ca/Pure.

BUILDING OUR WHOLE SOCIETY

How can our society ensure public space for diverse perspectives and practices? 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 in a multifaith conference supported by the EFC. Join the discussion May 8–9, 2017 in Ottawa. Learn more at OurWholeSociety.ca.

MORE COMING EVENTS AT THEEFC.CA/CALENDAR

→ Reveal: Responding to a pornified culture, Edmonton, Feb. 17
→ Weekend Marriage Getaway, Victoria, Feb. 17-19
→ Cantonese Weekend Marriage Getaway, Calgary, Feb. 17-19
→ Is Religion Obsolete in a Scientific Age?, Winnipeg, Feb. 22
→ Missions Fest Alberta 2017, Edmonton, Feb. 24-26
→ Promise Keepers Quest Conference, Ottawa, Feb. 24-25
→ Today’s Teens Conference 2017, Oakville, Feb. 25
→ Coldest Night of the Year Walk, nationwide, Feb. 25
→ Medical Assistance in Dying: Walking pastorally with those impacted by it, Langley, Mar. 3
→ Regional Youth Ministry Training CYWC, Calgary, Mar. 3-4
→ Apologetics Canada Conference 2017, Abbotsford, Mar. 3-4
→ Greater Vancouver Festival of Hope, Vancouver, Mar. 3-5
→ Weekend Marriage Getaway, Kelowna, Mar. 3-5
→ World Day of Prayer (Women's Inter-Church Council), worldwide, Mar. 3
→ Faith+Work in an Age of Intelligent Machines, Hamilton, Mar. 3
→ Fluid Young Adults Gathering, Oakville, Mar. 4
→ Promise Keepers Legacy Conference, Cambridge, Mar. 4
→ Today’s Modern Women of Faith Conference, Surrey, Mar. 4
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CANADIAN CHURCHES AND THEIR CHARITABLE STATUS

As registered charities, churches can issue tax receipts for donations; but what would happen if they lost their charitable status? Would people give as generously? What can churches do to avoid losing their charitable status? More importantly, what can they do to encourage congregational giving and financial stewardship? Writer Ron Csillag explores these questions in the Jan/Feb Faith Today.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Palliative care bill passes second reading
New EFC overview video
Dispatches from Brian Stiller: An answer to why in Africa?

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