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EFC Update Newsletter June 25

25 June 2024

How Canadians are harmed by illegal sexually explicit material online

How are Canadians, especially youth, being harmed by illegal sexual images online? The EFC’s latest blog outlines the devastating, lifelong harms caused by these images, based on our recent submission to a parliamentary committee. The blog also outlines practical steps Canadians can take in their own communities.  

The EFC joins in asking UN to recognize prostitution as system of violence, exploitation 

The EFC, the World Evangelical Alliance, and the Salvation Army have urged all states to recognize prostitution as a system of violence and exploitation. See the video statement delivered to the UN Human Rights Council. 

Standing together against hate based on religious identity 

The Canadian Interfaith Conversation issued a statement June 18 on behalf of over 60 signatory faith traditions and institutions, declaring a common position on combatting hate against and between Canada’s religious communities. The EFC is a member of the Canadian Interfaith Conversation, and many EFC affiliates are signatories of the statement. Find more details including the full statement and video clip of the press conference.  

New Faith Today TV episodes on joy, trauma and gathering young Christians

Are you predisposed to grumpiness? Does joy feel like an elusive dream? B.C.-based author Alastair Sterne leads us through a contemplation of joy that is theological and practical. This conversation from episode 230 of the Faith Today Podcast is also now available at FaithToday.tv.

Brenton Diaz, a trauma therapist in Ontario, helps us understand what it means to befriend someone harmed by a history of abuse or war. It's not as hard as we think it might be. Watch this conversation at FaithToday.tv (or listen to episode 227 of the Faith Today Podcast).

Israel Gimba is an Ottawa evangelist and pastor. He talks with host Sammy Kyereme about the heart of the ministry Dunamis Army, how Ignite Saturdays are facilitated, and strategy on how to bring together a united gathering for young Christians in this video  (or listen to episode 229 of the Faith Today Podcast).

Conflict, refugees and hunger 

As the world observes World Refugee Day, let's consider how conflict leads to hunger and how Christians are responding, writes Stefan Epp-Koop of Canadian Foodgrains Bank, a partnership of 15 church denominations and agencies including many EFC affiliates.   

How can we cultivate soul care?  

Pastor and author April Yamasaki discusses how writing can deepen our faith, why liturgy is important, and the definition and significance of soul care. Read more in the May/Jun issue of Faith Today.  

Coming Events at TheEFC.ca/Calendar

→ Lausanne Canada 24-7 Prayer Initiative, nationwide, June 20-Sept. 22 
→ Stories of Transformation in Canada (TOWC), online, June 25, July 23        
→ Praise Xplosion 2024, Winnipeg, June 29   
→ Day of the Christian Martyr (Voice of the Martyrs), international, June 29   
→ Anti-Racist Preaching and Community Building (AST/Wing Yi Wong), Halifax, July 1-12   
→ BC Christian Ashram Retreat, online/Langley, July 5-6  
→ Global Migrations and Christian Witness (VST/Jehu Hanciles), Vancouver, July 8 
→ Jesus: The Most Interesting Person in the World (VST/Will Willimon), Vancouver, July 9 
→ Why Church Music Matters (SICM), online/Whitby, July 5-6   
→ March for Jesus, Ottawa and Gatineau, July 13  
→ The Social Gospel (AST/Rob Fennell), Halifax, July 15-26  
→ Waldheim Missions Conference, Waldheim, July 21-24  
→ Canadian Scientific & Christian Affiliation Annual Meeting, Washington DC, July 26-29  
→ Kingdom Builders Forum (TOWC), Toronto, July 26