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November 7, 2017

07 November 2017

EFC Statement on Texas Church Attack

The EFC mourns with the families and friends who lost loved ones, and those who were wounded in the horrific attack on the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas. It is an act that defies our sensibilities. Read the full EFC statement here.

Responding to Bill C-51

Bill C-51 would remove specific protection for clergy and religious services. The Justice Committee will begin clause by clause analysis of the bill tomorrow, which is when any likely amendments will be introduced and voted on. Please consider contacting your MP today to ask for changes to Bill C-51 to maintain these protections! You can use this sample letter or learn more information here. See the letter to the Minister of Justice signed by more than 66 faith leaders across Canada, including many EFC affiliates. This letter was sent to the Minister on October 31, and tabled before the Justice Committee for consideration.

Letter to Governor General

The EFC has written a letter to the Governor General about her remarks at the Canadian Science Policy gathering in Ottawa, which disparaged those who believe the universe had its origin through divine design or intervention.

The EFC at M-103 Hearings Yesterday

EFC President Bruce Clemenger and Director of Public Policy Julia Beazley appeared before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage yesterday on Motion M-103. The Committee is studying systemic racism and religious discrimination, as mandated by Motion M-103. Read the EFC's submission.

Supreme Court Clarifies Scope of Religious Freedom

Government has a duty to specifically consider religious freedom concerns when raised by claimants, according to a Supreme Court decision last week in the Ktunaxa Nation v. British Columbia case. The EFC jointly intervened in the case with the Christian Legal Fellowship. The groups responded to the decision in a media release.

International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church

"What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”  This is the theme verse for the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) Canada 2017, which will take place on Sunday, November 12. If you are unable to participate in IDOP Sunday on this date, you are encouraged to set aside time on another day to remember our persecuted brothers and sisters. You can find resources on IDOP’s website.

Day of Prayer for Religious Freedom

Sunday, November 26 is a day set apart to pray for the successful resolution of the Trinity Western University law school case, which will be heard in the Supreme Court of Canada on November 30 and December 1. This day of prayer is an initiative of the EFC and the Canadian Council of Christian Charities. The far-reaching potential implications of the Trinity Western case also makes this a day to pray for the future of religious freedom in Canada. Download a free one-page PDF that summarizes the facts and explains why this is important at www.TheEFC.ca/ReligiousFreedom2017. Please reproduce it for your church or other group.

Refugee Sponsorship Webinar

Registration is now open for our next webinar on Nov. 16 at noon EST. Catch up on the latest developments with private refugee sponsorship and hear from Canadians who have worked directly with incoming refugee families in the last 18 months. Find recordings of past webinars at www.TheEFC.ca/Webinars.

EFC Staff at Consultation on Religious Freedom

EFC staff Anita Levesque and David Guretzki are participating in a two-day consultation on religious freedom in Ottawa this week at the TWU Laurentian Leadership Centre in Ottawa. The two-day event includes a meeting with Global Affairs officials and MPs.

EFC Annual Update on Video

What has the EFC has been doing over the last 12 months to fulfil its mission to unite Evangelicals to bless Canada in the name of Jesus? EFC leaders highlight our public policy work, court interventions, research, youth mobilization and more in a new 8-minute video. Watch it anytime here.

“Love Is Moving” Through the Ministry of Compassion Canada

This week’s Love Is Moving segment on Outside the Box with Sheldon Neil features the ministry of Compassion Canada. Outside the Box includes a segment every week that features the EFC’s youth initiative Love Is Moving. Do you have a young person in your life? Encourage them to check out this show every Friday at 10 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Yes TV. Past episodes are available on the Outside the Box website.

Faith Today Interview with Lorna Dueck

Lorna Dueck is CEO of Crossroads Christian Communications Inc., home of the popular daytime TV show 100 Huntley Street. She’s also CEO of the Yes TV network and a frequent contributor on faith and public life in The Globe and Mail. She spoke to Faith Today about Christian media today in Canada and the challenge to us all.

Coming Events at TheEFC.ca/calendar

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→ Adoption Awareness Month, Nationwide, Nov. 1-30
→ Church and Charity Law Seminar, Mississauga, Nov. 9
→ Meet the EFC in Halifax, Halifax, Nov. 9-10
→ International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, worldwide, Nov. 12
→ Entrepreneurial Leaders Forum & Awards Gala, Toronto, Nov. 15
→ Panel on Interfaith Partnership in Advocacy, Ottawa, Nov. 15
→ EFC Webinar: What have churches learned about refugee sponsorship? Online, Nov. 16
→ 25 principes bibliques pour un marriage passionnant, Québec, Nov. 17-18
→ Promise Keepers Canada All In Conference, Toronto, Nov. 17-18
→ National Restorative Justice Symposium, Ottawa, Nov. 19-21
→ Engaging Communities Through Research: A Capacity-Building Event for Faith-Based Campuses and their Partners, Waterloo, Nov. 24-25
→ SHINE Women’s Conference, Burlington, Nov. 24-25
→ Day of Prayer for Religious Freedom in Canada, nationwide, Nov. 26

Latest Posts at FaithToday.ca/blog


Tips and treasures: sharing what churches have learned sponsoring refugees
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In Case You Missed It


The EFC Intervenes in Supreme Court “Wall” Case and “Ktunaxa” Case
Presidents Day in Montreal
New Canada Watch
Reformation 500: We Must Never Forget the Priority of God’s Grace
EFC Leaders at Justice Committee Meeting on Bill C-51
Panel on Interfaith Partnership in Advocacy