THE EFC UPDATE - 2016.07.05
Uniting Evangelicals to bless Canada in the name of Jesus
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LATEST DECISION ON TWU DISAPPOINTING
The EFC is deeply disappointed with an Ontario court ruling related to Trinity Western University. The province’s law society refuses to accredit TWU’s proposed law school, and the June 29 Ontario Court of Appeal ruling said that refusal is justified. The ruling admitted the refusal violates the religious freedom of TWU and its students in a significant way, but concluded that overriding those freedoms is justified. TWU says it will appeal the decision to the Supreme Court.
LETTER TO CBC ON TERM “FUNDAMENTALIST”
A June 29 news article at CBC.ca initially described Trinity Western University and its proposed law school as “fundamentalist.” As the EFC prepared a letter of complaint, the CBC revised the word to “evangelical” instead. The EFC sent a letter to CBC to highlight the seriousness of the error and to express appreciation for the self-correction.
SUPPORT FOR PALLIATIVE CARE BILL
The EFC supports private member’s Bill C-277 on developing a palliative care framework. This bill, introduced by MP Marilyn Gladu (Sarnia Lambton), would require Canada’s health minister to collect data and to identify ways to improve palliative care.
HAS YOUR PASTOR TAKEN THE MISSIONS ENGAGEMENT SURVEY?
The EFC is partnering with the Canadian Missions Research Forum on a first-of-its-kind, national study of how Canadian Evangelicals engage with “missions.” Would you ask your pastor to participate by completing either the English or French version of the survey?
A COLOURFUL WAY TO ENJOY FAITH TODAY
Are you getting every issue of Faith Today, Canada’s Christian magazine, delivered to your home? If not, now is a great time to subscribe, because you’ll also receive a free copy of Restore My Soul: A Coloring Book Devotional Journey. Get details online or by calling 1-866-302-3362. Each Faith Todayalso includes our youth magazine, Love is Moving, at no extra cost.Don’t delay, this is a limited-time offer. (NOTE FOR CURRENT SUBSCRIBERS: This book and magazine combo would make a great gift for a loved one!)
COMING EVENTS AT THEEFC.CA/CALENDAR
→ John C. Maxwell Breakfast, Toronto, July 6
→ Mennonite Brethren Gathering, Mississauga, July 6-10
→ Imagining Mission in Cascadia, Vancouver, July 7
→ Life Happens Event for Women, St. Catharines, July 9
→ RZIM Apologetics/Faith-Sharing Summer School, Langley, July 10-16
→ Training for Long-term Workers Among Muslims, Colorado (USA), July 11-22
MEET YOU IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD
Don McNiven, the EFC’s director of affiliate and donor relations, will visit Alberta July 11-15, Ontario in August, PEI and Nova Scotia in September and Ontario in October. He would be delighted to visit with supporters to discuss the programs of the EFC and current research initiatives. Email him or call 416-902-9110.
LATEST POST AT FAITHTODAY.CA/BLOG
→ Please do scribble on the cover of this Faith Today
→ Trinity Western University: “We know it will be messy,” by Amy Robertson
→ How Christians can get out of debt, by Michael Veenstra
SUPPORTING THE EFC DURING A POSTAL STRIKE
The EFC depends on the generosity of our donors to keep the momentum going strong. In the event of a postal strike, supporters wishing to make a gift are encouraged to donate online or to call the EFC toll-free at 1-866-302-3362. Or consider becoming an EFC Partner in Faith by enrolling in our pre-authorized monthly giving plan.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
→ EFC resources for responding to legalization of assisted-death: initial one-page response (aussi disponible en français) and nine-page overview of the new legislation and ongoing issues of concern.
→ EFC interfaith statement on palliative care (aussi disponible en français)
→ Recorded EFC webinar on what your church can do to keep this generation of young people
→ EFC lawyer says the case of the proposed law school at Trinity Western University is “the most important religious freedom case since the Charter has been implemented” (in the June/July issue of Canada Watch, an EFC newsletter)