EFC Sends Brief to Health Committee on Palliative Care Bill
The EFC has encouraged the health committee to move forward with Bill C-277 as a first step toward addressing the need for good quality, widely accessible palliative care for all Canadians. The EFC’s brief notes that in the new context of legalized physician-hastened death, the need for palliative care is especially critical. Read the EFC’s brief.
House of Commons Debate on Islamophobia and Religious Discrimination
Motion M-103 on Islamophobia and religious discrimination is up for its final hour of debate in the House of Commons today. The motion condemns Islamophobia, systemic racism and religious discrimination, and asks for a study of these issues by the Heritage Committee. Read the EFC’s official statements on M-103 and Islamophobia on our website.
One Year Later: How Have Syrian Refugees Settled Into Canada?
It has been more than 12 months since the first 26,172 of the 40,081 Syrian Refugees who have now settled in Canada first arrived. A House of Commons committee studied how they have settled in their new country. It found some issues of concern, but the church in Canada is well positioned to help. Find out how.
Impact of Violent Internet Porn on Public Health
The EFC has recommended public health measures to study and reduce the impact of violent Internet pornography on Canadians, in a written brief to the House of Commons Health Committee. View a 2-minute video on the issue or read the EFC’s submission.
EFC President to Attend Pre-passover Seder
EFC President Bruce J. Clemenger will be attending a Pre-Passover Seder for interfaith leaders this week in Toronto. The Seder is the traditional Passover meal and will include discussions among leaders of the Jewish community and leaders from other faith groups.
Director of Affiliate and Donor Relations to Visit Alberta and Manitoba
Don McNiven, our Director of Affiliate and Donor Relations, will be in Calgary, Alberta on March 29th and Winnipeg, Manitoba on March 30th visiting churches, donors, educational institutions and organizations. If you'd like a visit from him to learn more about the EFC and how you can get involved, please email Don.
EFC President to Visit Lethbridge, Alberta
EFC President Bruce Clemenger will be presenting a full-day seminar to the Lethbridge Evangelical Ministerial Association on March 27. Pastors who are not part of the ministerial are welcome to attend. RSVP by March 20 to Pastor Wayne Boersma at wayneb@dgchurch.ca or visit the EFC calendar for more information. Consider inviting an EFC speaker to your group or church. Find a list of popular topics at www.theefc.ca/speakers.
→ Why Canadians aren’t Going to Church, with Dr. Sam Reimer, Langley, Mar. 23
→ Is Canada Becoming More Religiously Polarized? with Dr. Sam Reimer, Langley, Mar. 24
→ EFC’s Rick Hiemstra to speak in Didsbury, Alberta, Mar. 25-26
→ 500 Years of Reformation, Edmonton, Mar. 24-25
→ Jesus to the Nations Conference 2017, Halifax, Mar. 24-26
→ Mandarin-language Weekend Getaway from Family Life Canada, Ottawa, Mar. 24-26
→ Promise Keepers Canada Quest Conference, Regina, Mar. 24-25
→ EFC President in Lethbridge, Alberta, Mar. 26-27
→ First Nations Christian Writers Conference, Winnipeg, Mar. 30
→ Spring Retreat with Aglow Kingdom Movement, Brooks, Alberta, Mar. 31-Apr. 1
→ Elevate Conference 2017, Langley, Mar. 31-Apr. 1
→ Retreat: And So We Wait…Our Spiritual Journey of Transformation, Calgary, Mar. 31-Apr. 2
→ Promise Keepers Canada Legacy Conference, Chatham, Apr. 1
→ Voices Together City-Wide Rally, Vancouver, Apr. 1
→ Lay Pastor Development Program, Mississauga, Apr. 1
→ Dr. Raymond Damadian, MRI Inventor, to Speak in Vancouver, Apr. 2
How a Rule of Life Helps Christians Live Well
This Faith Today feature article by Pastor Darryl Dash explains how the ancient monastic practice of a ‘rule of life’ can still act as a tool to help Christians become more like Jesus. A rule of life is simply a pattern of practices that Christians can design and follow to further their own spiritual growth. In the concept of a rule of life, “rule” comes from the Greek word for trellis. “Rules, like trellises, are designed to support and guide growth,” says Dash.
In Case You Missed It
→ New research on Canadian Evangelicals and long-term missions
→ Review of The Shack movie
→ The latest issue of Faith Today is out in the world
→ John Bowen goes very personal with his review of Andy Crouch book