Parliament Reintroduces Bills to Extend Euthanasia, Ban Conversion Therapy
The federal government has just reintroduced two bills in Parliament. Bill C-6 (formerly Bill C-8) would ban conversion therapy, but has a broad definition of conversion therapy that could criminalize religious instruction on sexuality. Bill C-7 proposes major changes to the law on euthanasia and assisted suicide, by extending “MAID” to people who are not dying. Even if you have communicated on these bills before, please contact your MP to ask for changes. See the EFC's resources at TheEFC.ca/C-6 and TheEFC.ca/C-7, including sample letters.
New Refugee Resource Coming October 8
Now is the perfect time for you or your church group to prepare for sponsoring a refugee. Around the world at the end of 2019, there were 79.5 million forcibly displaced people and 26 million refugees (identified by UNHCR). The EFC, along with its partners in the Refugees Resettlement Initiative, is excited about Welcome the Stranger: A Canadian Church Guide to Welcoming Refugees. This is a practical resource to help churches and private sponsors welcome newcomers. As we give thanks next weekend for all that God has provided to us, we think of those who are vulnerable because of strife and conflict in various regions. We have been given much and are called to give more. Visit TheEFC.ca/WelcomeTheStranger to preview the booklet now or after Oct. 8 to download the complete 60-page PDF.
International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted is November 1, 2020
Persecution for faith in Christ often separates believers from family and loved ones. During Covid-19 we understand, though to a lesser degree, the pain of isolation. That is why “Hope in Isolation” is the theme for the 2020 International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted. “Joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12). Countries of focus include Bangladesh, Nigeria and Yemen. Be sure to visit www.idop.ca for free resources for your church group or personal prayer.
How We Do and Don’t Practise Prayer
EFC prayer ambassador Roger Helland reflects on our practice of prayer in his first post at our website.
Review of Canada’s Prostitution Laws Expected this Fall
A review of Canada’s prostitution laws is expected this fall. These laws are an essential tool in the fight against sexual exploitation, writes the EFC’s Julia Beazley in a new post at our website.
Transformation Takes Time
“It’s truly possible for a human being to undergo genuine spiritual transformation,” says our columnist Carolyn Arends, “but such transformation almost always happens at a pace slower than we would expect or desire.”
After you read her column you may want more! Two free options include: (1) Free print subscriptions to any home in Canada. Subscribe free for yourself or a loved one. And (2) get our twice-a-month Faith Today email newsletter. Learn more and sign up.
→ Business talks series, online every Tuesday (RZIM/Intriciti) starting Oct. 7
→ Christian Schools Canada leadership conference 2020, online, Oct. 8
→ Preaching OT wisdom literature (Heritage C&S): Ray Ortlund, online, Oct. 8
→ Faith, food & farming with Norman Wirzba (CCRDA/SP/FHC), online, Oct. 8
→ Watercooler Break for Communications Workers (CCCA), online, Oct. 9
→ Church mental health summit (Hope Made Strong), online, Oct. 10
→ Faster, higher, better? Moral bioenhancement and Christianity (CCC), online, Oct. 14
→ Ending poverty together (Feed the Hungry), online workshop, Oct. 15
→ Reveal webinar: My Story of Porn Addiction (Defend Dignity), online, Oct. 15
→ Singin’ in the Grain fundraising concert (Foodgrains Bank), online, Oct. 16
→ Change conference (Cdn Youth Network), online, Oct. 16
→ Jesus and justice conference (IJM), online, Oct. 15-17
→ International day for the eradication of poverty, Oct. 15-17
→ Plan to Protect 101 webinar, online Oct. 20
→ Reveal webinar: Moving through betrayal (Defend Dignity), online, Oct. 22
→ Hold me tight couples weekend (Shalem), Hamilton, Oct. 24-25
→ Table talk: Does the Church still have legs? (MCC), online, Oct. 24-25
→ EFC Presidents’ Day online, Oct. 29
→ Reveal webinar: Teens and porn (Defend Dignity), online, Oct. 29
→ The Internet: Are Children in Charge? (Internet Sense First), online, Oct. 30-31
Publicize your event for free on our calendar and we will also share it in this email newsletter.
In Case You Missed It
→ Conversion therapy ban reintroduced (EFC blog)
→ Conscience in an age of choice (Faith Today article)
→ Still salty after all these years: An interview with Becky Pippert (podcast)
→ Introducing the Peace and Reconciliation Network (3 min video)
→ EFC speakers in your online gathering
→ Get your message out at FaithToday.ca/Classifieds. Contact ads@faithtoday.ca