THE EFC UPDATE - 2016.02.16
Uniting Evangelicals to bless Canada in the name of Jesus
Sign up to receive the EFC Update via email every Tuesday to keep up with current news from The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada.
SIGN UP FOR TOMORROW’S WEBINAR ON ASSISTED SUICIDE
What can we and our congregations be doing to protect life? Registration is now open for an EFC webinar about euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide. Hear what every Canadian Christian needs to know, including the latest updates and developments straight from Parliament Hill, then immediately contribute your questions to our live online discussion. Our experts will include Bruce J. Clemenger, EFC President, and Julia Beazley, EFC Director of Public Policy. Get details and register today at theEFC.ca/webinars.
NEW END-OF-LIFE RESOURCE
Download a brand new EFC booklet to help you and your church better understand what’s at stake with physician-assisted suicide and what’s needed in the area of palliative care. Euthanasia + Palliative Care: A Guide for Canadians includes fresh articles and discussion questions plus a compilation of recent articles from the EFC magazine Faith Today.
NEW EFC SUBMISSION ON ASSISTED SUICIDE
Late last week the EFC made a 10-page submission to the Special Joint Committee on Physician-Assisted Dying. An excerpt: “We believe the proper response to suffering, and particularly to those who are nearing the end of life, is to respond with care and compassion, and to journey with those who are walking in the shadow of death. On the basis of our beliefs and commitment to the sanctity of human life, we are unequivocally opposed to both assisted suicide and euthanasia.” Read the full submission.
DECLARATION AGAINST ASSISTED SUICIDE
Have you added your name to the 14,800+ Canadians calling our government to protect vulnerable Canadians and improve palliative care? You can do so at euthanasiadeclaration.ca. Help us demonstrate cross-Canada support for limits to euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide. This declaration was developed in October by the EFC and the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (aussi disponible en français).
ASSISTED SUICIDE: SUMMING UP
The EFC website has a new page summarizing why now is a critical time for Evangelicals to engage their local MP on euthanasia and assisted suicide. It includes the links from the four items mentioned above, all in one permanent place, plus an introduction, issue background summary, link to find your MP's name and contact information, and a link to our analysis of the crucial Carter decision by the Supreme Court. Visit: theEFC.ca/EuthanasiaUrgentAction.
NEW ISSUE OF CANADA WATCH
A new issue of the EFC’s free bi-monthly newsletter is now available online. The February/March 2016 issue starts off with “The EFC Fights Sexual Exploitation – With Your Help.” There’s also a spotlight on an innovative, Canadian, youth-focused initiative called Love Is Moving, a word of thanks from President Bruce J. Clemenger, encouraging notes from donors and a special update from Parliament Hill.
COMING EVENTS AT THEEFC.CA/CALENDAR
→ EFC Webinar on Assisted Suicide, Feb. 17
→ Understanding our Pornified Culture, Morden, Man., Feb. 20
→ She's Not for Sale, Toronto, Feb. 21
INVITE US FOR A VISIT
Consider inviting an EFC speaker for your group or church at theEFC.ca/speakers.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Would you like to chat with experts from the Canadian evangelical community on issues that matter, ask them specific questions and get an immediate, understandable answer? That’s what happens live online during EFC webinars. The discussions are also recorded for those unable to attend. Three of our most recent webinars tackled clergy wellness (how churches can help pastors avoid burnout), helping refugees (tips for congregations) and statistics showing how Canada and the church have changed (and tips on possible congregational responses). They’re free online at theEFC.ca/WebinarArchive.
BETTER EQUIPPED
Do you want to be better connected, informed and equipped this year? Subscribe to Faith Today, Canada’s Christian magazine, published by The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. Subscriptions now also include our free new youth magazine, Love Is Moving. Our risk-free trial gives you two issues at no cost before deciding on a subscription. Details at FaithToday.ca/RiskFree or toll-free 1-866-302-3362.
LATEST POSTS AT BLOG.FAITHTODAY.CA
→ How can even this be beautiful? Reflection on the sledding tragedy in Calgary, by Roy Eyre
WIN A FREE RETREAT FOR YOUR PASTOR
There’s only a few weeks left to nominate your pastor for a chance to win a rejuvenating retreat. One winner in each province! Details on this Faith Todaycontest in English at FaithToday.ca/contest or en français àFaithToday.ca/concours.