Noteworthy Abortion reversal information sparks backlash Antisemitism still rising The nails from Jesus’ cross?

Health Canada dismissed two complaints about an Alliance for Life Ontario webpage that advises women about the possibility of reversing chemical abortions and connects them with doctors willing to help. Chemical abortions involve two pills – one which blocks the body’s natural progesterone and a second that forces contractions. Pro-life doctors in the U.S. have started prescribing progesterone to women who have taken the first abortion pill, but do not want to go through with the abortion. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada condemned the practice, claiming it is unproven and could be unsafe. An American study found it was nearly 50 per cent effective in saving the baby. At least 60 Canadian women have tried the treatment in the last three years. WWW.HEALTHING.CA

Canada experienced a sharp increase in antisemitism in 2021, according to B’nai Brith Canada, a Jewish human rights organization. It recorded more than 250 incidents in May, including 61 violent incidents and 51 cases of vandalism, the highest numbers since the group began tracking incidents in 1982. Antisemitism has been increasing in Canada every year with an average of seven incidents per day throughout 2020. WWW. TORONTOSUN.COM

A new study breathed fresh life into speculation that a pair of nails discovered by archaeologists could be the same ones used to nail Jesus to the cross. The idea was first suggested in a 2011 documentary, claiming the nails came from the tomb of Caiaphas, the high priest who handed Jesus over to be crucified by the Romans. A recent analysis of the nails found they matched the unique chemical signature of sediment from Caiaphas’ tomb (discovered in the 1990s). The study also found slivers of cedar and bone fragments on the nails. While the study’s lead author wisely refused to speculate about who the bone fragments belonged to, he did add, “Are they nails from a crucifixion? Very likely, yes.” WWW.LIVESCIENCE.COM

Evangelism a low priority

Thirty-one per cent of Canadian church leaders, and nearly half of children and youth pastors, believe it is wrong to share your faith with the aim of converting others, according to a study by Alpha Canada and Flourishing Congregations Institute. The study surveyed 2,700 Canadian church leaders from a wide range of traditions. Forty-four per cent said their church equips members for evangelism. Only 4 per cent stated evangelism is an essential priority in their church, while 48 per cent of church leaders reported evangelism is key in their church’s discipleship approach. WWW.CHURCHFORVANCOUVER.CA

Pastors assume decrease in denominational affiliation

Denominationally aligned pastors and congregations believe connection is vital, for now, according to a study by Lifeway Research. The survey included more than a thousand Protestant pastors, with 78 per cent in denominationally aligned churches saying connection is vital. Younger pastors (ages 44 and under) were more likely than older ones to say their personal denominational connection is vital. Lutheran pastors were most likely to hold this view (95 per cent), while 76 per cent of evangelical pastors agreed. However, 63 per cent of pastors surveyed believe that importance will decrease during the next decade. Study authors note a previous study had nearly identical findings in 2010, yet the pastors’ predictions failed to materialize. WWW.LIFEWAYRESEARCH.COM