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February 21, 2017

21 February 2017

Syrian Refugee Snapshot One Year Later 

The EFC just published the second blog in a three-part series on refugee sponsorship. This new post looks at the Syrian refugee crisis as it stands today. It gives a numerical picture of what is happening inside Syria globally, in the United States and especially within Canada.

Religious Discrimination Motion: EFC Response

Motion M-103, which would condemn Islamophobia and mandate a government study on systemic racism and religious discrimination, was debated in the House of Commons last week. The motion is due to be voted on in March or April. The EFC has provided information about this motion, along with recommendations for contacting your MP about any concerns you may have, here.

Conscience Rights of Health Care Workers 

The EFC received intervenor status last week in a case to protect the conscience rights of doctors. We are co-intervening with the Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario and the Christian Legal Fellowship. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) requires doctors to provide an effective referral for procedures such as euthanasia or assisted suicide, even when this goes against their conscientious objection. Read more in the Feb/Mar issue of Canada Watch.

The EFC Launches Dialogue With the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs

The EFC is in a formal dialogue with the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA). The first meeting is tomorrow, February 22, in Ottawa. Read more about the partnership between the EFC and CIJA.

Spotlight on the EFC’s Presence in Quebec 

"Our greatest need is spiritual and requires a fresh and powerful move of God." Pierre Bergeron, the EFC’s Quebec Director, shared about his responsibilities, challenges, and prayer needs in the latest Canada Watch.

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 at the Building Our Whole Society conference, a multifaith conference supported by the EFC. Join the discussion May 8–9, 2017 in Ottawa. Early-bird registration ends today, Feb. 21!

More Coming Events at TheEFC.ca/Calendar 

→ 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 Fundraising Walk, nationwide, Feb. 25 
→ Plate Tectonics & Christian Hope, Halifax, Feb. 27 
→ Medical Assistance in Dying: Walking pastorally with those impacted by it, Langley, Mar. 3 
→ World Day of Prayer (Women's Inter-Church Council), worldwide, Mar. 3 
→ Faith and Work in an Age of Intelligent Machines, Hamilton, 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 Getaway (Marriage Conference), Kelowna, Mar. 3-5 
→ Fluid Young Adults Gathering, Oakville, Mar. 4 
→ Promise Keepers Legacy Conference, Cambridge, Mar. 4 
→ Today’s Modern Women of Faith Conference, Surrey, Mar. 4 
→ Church Planting Intensive Part 2, Mississauga, Mar. 4 

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Under the Radar: Theology Matters

A new study has found that theological conservatism is a key ingredient of growth in mainline churches. The Theology Matters study defined theological conservatism as “Protestant Christian beliefs based on a more literal interpretation of the Bible and greater openness to the idea that God intervenes in the world.” In the latest Faith Today, Peter Schuurman uncovers the implications of this study for mainline churches and the church in general.

In Case You Missed It

Mennonite response to their portrayal in new CBC series, Pure 
Palliative care bill passes second reading 
Dispatches from Brian Stiller: An answer to why in Africa?

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