Letter on religious charities to new finance minister
A parliamentary committee has recommended that the government remove advancement of religion as a charitable purpose and no longer provide charitable status to anti-abortion organizations. If adopted, this would have far-reaching and devastating consequences for religious charities and the people they serve. Strong advocacy can help ensure these proposals don't make it into the next budget. Read the EFC's update on this report and letter to the finance minister.
2024 charitable donations
The government announced on December 30th that it wants to extend the deadline for charitable donations. But until the legislation is actually passed, only donations made before midnight on December 31 are currently eligible for a 2024 charitable tax receipt. You may make your donation online or by phone at 1-866-302-3362 (toll-free).
Brief to Alberta government MAiD consultation
The EFC participated in an Alberta government consultation on the safeguards and oversight of medical assistance in dying (MAiD). The EFC’s written response asked the province to protect patients by allowing MAiD-free spaces and by adding a specific end-of-life definition and other safeguards. The response also addressed issues such as expanding MAiD on the basis of mental illness alone, eligibility for mature minors and allowing advance requests for MAiD. Read the EFC's written submission here.
Top 10 content at Faith Today in 2024
What were our most read articles and most visited webpages of the year at FaithToday.ca? There's a new blog that reveals exactly that. Visit FaithToday.ca/2024Top10.
EFC-sponsored prayer group featured on 100 Huntley
Willy Reimer, executive director of Ignite Prayer Canada, was interviewed on 100 Huntley Street about Ignite and developing a culture of prayer. The EFC is one of the co-sponsors of Ignite Prayer Canada, and EFC prayer ambassador Roger Helland serves on the leadership team.
Life in wartime: Reflections on a recent trip to Ukraine
Phil Wagler of Kelowna, B.C., is global director of the World Evangelical Alliance Peace and Reconciliation Network (PRN). He shares what he learned on a fall trip to a country at war in the latest PRN post at FaithToday.ca.
- Open Heavens Calgary, Dec. 31
- City Wide Prayer Rally (Strategic Renewal), Calgary, Jan. 10
- Ministry Leaders Renewal Retreat (Kerith Retreats), Nestleton, Ont., Jan. 11-18, Feb. 1-8
- Refuel—from Empty to Energized (Kentro Christian Network), online, Jan. 16
- Emerge 2025 (University Christian Ministries), Lindell Beach, B.C., Jan. 17-19
- Caring for Wounded Hearts – Training Course for Refugee Workers (Outreach Canada & partners), starts Jan. 18
- Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (worldwide), Jan. 18-25
- Day of Prayer to Transform Every Workplace (Workers on Our Knees), various locations, Jan. 22
- Youth Worker Conference (YWC), Saskatoon, Jan. 24-25; Abbotsford, Jan. 31-Feb. 1
- Churches Discipling Children: What Is and Is Not Working (Flourishing Congregations), online, Jan. 31
- Ministry Leaders Renewal Retreat (FOTC), Nestleton, Feb. 1
Additional EFC events
- Roger Helland, Facilitating/teaching/praying, Day of Prayer, Prairie College, Three Hills, Alta., Jan. 22