NEWS FROM THE EFC
Euthanasia wider by Christmas?
More than 50 religious leaders, including leaders of many EFC affiliate denominations, released an open letter in October opposing Bill C-7. The federal government plans to pass this bill by Dec. 18 to extend euthanasia to Canadians whose death is not “reasonably foreseeable.” The EFC continues to ask supporters to contact MPs to ask for protection for people with disabilities or chronic illnesses, who would become eligible for euthanasia if the bill passes. It is crucial to preserve current legal safeguards to protect vulnerable Canadians. For more information, including a sample letter for contacting your MP. WWW.THEEFC.CA/C-7
New denominational affiliate
The EFC warmly welcomes The Canada Eastern Presbytery of the Korean Presbyterian Church Abroad as a new denominational affiliate. When we welcome new friends we are reminded that together we are stronger. WWW.THEEFC.CA/AFFILIATES
EFC prayer ambassador
Roger Helland, a former Baptist district minister near Calgary, was recently appointed prayer ambassador for the EFC. Dr. Helland reflected on “The problem of prioritizing prayer” in October (www.TheEFC.ca/Articles). Learn more about him and other EFC speakers at our website. WWW.THEEFC.CA/SPEAKERBIOS
Guide to welcoming refugees
The EFC and its refugee resettlement partners are excited to publish a practical new resource to help churches and private sponsors. Welcome the Stranger: A Canadian Church Guide to Welcoming Refugees is a free 68-page booklet of advice and stories from those who have
walked the path of sponsorship from the very first stages of enquiry to building relationships with the individuals and families who arrive in Canada, along with insights from new Canadians themselves. Includes discussion group questions. WWW.THEEFC.CA/WELCOMETHESTRANGER
Conversion therapy ban, again
Canada’s minister of justice reintroduced a bill on conversion therapy in Parliament in October. Bill C-6 (formerly known as Bill C-8) proposes an overly broad definition of conversion therapy that could limit freedom of expression and criminalize religious instruction on sexuality. For more information, including a sample letter for contacting your MP and an eight-page analysis. WWW.THEEFC.CA/C-6
The Peace and Reconciliation Network North America (PRN), an initiative of the World Evangelical Alliance and supported in Canada by the EFC, continues to grow. The team is currently working on a devotional series on spiritual growth at the invitation of Promise Keepers Canada/Impactus.
This group is also developing a collaboration with Association of Christian Schools International to bring peace and reconciliation into the school context.
Faith Today is also partnering with PRN on a biweekly blog series offering inspiration and equipping on peace and reconciliation. WWW. FAITHTODAY.CA/RECONCILING
Support for porn restriction
The EFC supports Bill S-203 An Act to restrict young persons’ online access to sexually explicit materials. This bill will require commercial pornography sites to verify that consumers are adults in order to access their content. WWW.THEEFC.CA/S-203
Podcast renamed
This fall the EFC Podcast has been renamed the Faith Today Podcast, conversations inspired by Canada’s Christian magazine. The show will focus on interviews, insights and encouragement to help us all live a more authentic and engaged life of faith in today’s Canada. WWW. FAITHTODAY.CA/PODCAST