February 24, 2015

Together for influence, impact and identity

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DON’T FORCE DOCTORS AGAINST CONSCIENCE
The EFC wrote last week to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario regarding its draft policy on “Professional Obligations and Human Rights.” The EFC expressed concern over the proposed requirement that doctors provide referrals, and in some situations undertake procedures, that might violate their conscience and/or religious beliefs. Compelling doctors to act against their conscience would be a violation of their Charter rights and freedoms, argues the EFC. Doctors who don’t offer certain procedures are not discriminating as long as all patients are treated the same.

EFC PRESIDENT IN CAMBRIDGE, ONT.
EFC President Bruce J. Clemenger is the featured speaker at this year’s annual Ministry Leadership Day at Heritage College & Seminary March 5 in Cambridge, Ont. Request a speaker for your event at theEFC.ca/speakers.

LAWYER COMMENTS ON ASSISTED-DEATH DECISION
Earlier today the EFC published a commentary by Geoffrey Trotter, the lawyer who represented the EFC in Carter euthanasia case. In “The Court Has Allowed Physician-assisted Death – What Next?” he examines two critical undercurrents which drove the Supreme Court of Canada’s Feb. 6 decision. He also considers the question of Parliament’s response. 

WELCOME NEW EFC DIRECTOR
Cecilia Wu is the EFC’s new Director of Development, resuming a position she held from 2001 to 2005. Previously, she carried out extensive fund raising activities for the Banting Research Foundation, the Christian Children’s Fund of Canada and the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Foundation. Learn more at theEFC.ca/LeadershipTeam.

OUR BIG, BIG PORNOGRAPHY PROBLEM
Faith Today’s latest issue includes a one-page summary to help readers understand and address the issue of pornography, which is affecting increasing numbers of increasingly younger Canadians. This is a great week to subscribe and read up, as Faith Today is offering our best prices ever! For a limited time only $2.99 per issue at FaithToday.ca/subscriptions.

LATEST POST AT BLOG.FAITHTODAY.CA 
→The Black and White of 50 Shades of Grey, By Sheila Wray Gregoire

NEW SEX EDUCATION CURRICULUM
Ontario released its new Physical Education curriculum yesterday, aimed at implementation this coming September in the province’s public and Catholic schools. The EFC’s Rick Hiemstra discussed concerns about a lack of parental consultation on 100 Huntley Street (watch video) a few weeks ago. Related EFC resources: Hands Up: Identifying Parents Rights and open letter.

COMING EVENTS AT THEEFC.CA/CALENDAR 
→Promise Keepers: Fearless, Ottawa, Feb. 27-28 
→Be Inspired ministry conference, Hamilton, Mar. 3 
→Courageous Ministry in Challenging Times, Cambridge, Mar. 5 
→Apologetics Canada conference, Vancouver, Mar. 6-7 
→Blended Families Seminar, Langley, Mar. 6-7

RELIGION AND PUBLIC LIFE IN VANCOUVER
EFC leaders Bruce Clemenger and Aileen Van Ginkel will chair sessions at the Our Whole Society conference, March 22-24 in Vancouver. Registration is now open for the event, which addresses how religion can and ought to play a vital role in public life.

DIGGING THE WELL TOGETHER
Critique is part of a healthy functioning of the Body of Christ, says New Testament professor Brian Glubish. “We are to submit mutually one to another, and any minister worth his salt will welcome such health,” he writes in an article at the Christianity.ca, Canada’s Christian library online.