EFC Update Newsletter October 24

MAiD expansion: The EFC expresses deep concern to three new ministers

The EFC wrote to the ministers of health, justice, and mental health and addictions on "our deep concern about Medical Assistance in Dying and the coming expansion to people with mental illness as their sole underlying medical condition in March 2024." 

Vote on euthanasia bill signals a shift 

A bill to stop MAiD for mental illness was defeated by a vote of 167-150 on Oct. 18, 2023. MAiD for mental illness will be allowed in March 2024. Bill C-314 would have reversed the law allowing people to be eligible for euthanasia on the basis of mental illness. The close vote on Bill C-314 signals a shift as more Canadians think about the impact of the change and express their concerns.

Read about the vote and what this might mean in our new blog.

Affiliate leaders to meet in Calgary

This week, EFC’s Presidents Day welcomes heads of numerous EFC affiliates for a day of information sharing, networking and resourcing. Find out more about the more than 650 EFC affiliates.

It’s time to pray for the persecuted church

Join Christians around the world in marking Sunday, November 5 as International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP). “Courage to Rise Above” is this year’s IDOP theme. Please plan on incorporating this important day of unified prayer, disciple-making, and witness into the life of your congregation and sphere of influence. Visit www.idop.ca for resources. The EFC, Intercede International, International Christian Response, Open Doors Canada, Take Heart, and Voice of the Martyrs are partnering together as organizers. 

EFC researchers speak about parenting, faith and children

Rick Hiemstra, the EFC's Director of Research, will be speaking at Toronto Children’s Ministry Conference on November 4. Visit the conference website for more details. 

EFC researcher Lindsay Callaway is speaking on findings from the EFC’s Parenting Faith research at a McMaster Divinity College online class on Oct. 25 and at the Church Vitalization Summit Learning Lab on Oct. 26.

Countdown to Ignite Vancouver 

Ignite Vancouver takes place Nov. 17 at Broadway Church – a free seminar and dinner for pastors and ministry leaders (registration required) followed by a free public prayer and worship gathering in the evening (no registration). Schedule, speakers and registration available here. Co-sponsored by the EFC, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association of Canada, National House of Prayer, Peace and Reconciliation Network, Vineyard Canada. 

Quebec religious leaders highlight how houses of worship benefit society

Sixty Quebec religious leaders, including Evangelicals, held a public forum in October highlighting how houses of worship benefit society. Read the translated report at TheEFC.ca.

Christian college moves, gives away campus

After moving to a larger urban centre, Eston College gave its former campus away to a Christian ministry that helps those suffering from addictions. Find this article and more at the contents page of the Sep/Oct issue of Faith Today.