Easter blessings and poems to reflect on
The EFC wishes you a blessed and meaningful Holy Week as we prepare to reflect on Christ’s death and then celebrate his resurrection. This year Faith Today has continued its annual tradition of publishing Easter poetry by Canadian Christian poets. You may find it adds to your Holy Week experience to read some of these poems in our Mar/Apr 2024 issue. You can find additional poems online.
EFC preliminary analysis of online harms bill
The EFC has created a preliminary analysis of the government’s new online harms bill. Bill C-63 would set up a new regulatory framework with a new Digital Safety Commission to address seven categories of online harm, ranging from intimate content communicated without consent to content victimizing a child, fomenting hatred, or inciting violence. Bill C-63 would also add new provisions to the Criminal Code and add hate speech as a discriminatory practice in the Canadian Human Rights Act. Read more in the EFC’s analysis.
WEA speaks up for the vulnerable at UN Human Rights Council
The EFC and the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) asked the Canadian government to repeal the expanded euthanasia laws and to protect persons from feeling pressured to ask for MAiD at vulnerable moments. WEA staff appeared at the UN Human Rights Council yesterday on behalf of both the EFC and WEA. Read the joint submission made in response to the United Nations Universal Periodic Review of human rights in Canada and watch the brief oral presentation.
Restoring Canada’s promise of civility
Hate crimes and hate speech against Jews and Muslims have been on the rise in Canada since the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel. EFC senior ambassador Bruce J. Clemenger reminds us, “We are to love our enemies…weep with those who weep and mourn with those who mourn. In doing so we offer the refuge so many seek and that we ourselves often need—a safe place to be heard and find comfort.” Aussi disponible en français.
Can Ukrainians and Russians reconcile?
Are the deep wounds being caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine creating fractures beyond repair? What is the way to healing and reconciliation?
In the latest All Things Reconciled Podcast, Gary Timmerman and George de Vuyst of Resonate Global Mission reflect on these questions based on their experience in both countries and the work of addressing deep wounds between peoples that appear beyond repair.
EFC leaders, regional ambassador to speak at events in B.C., Ont., N.B. next Friday
EFC President David Guretzki will bring greetings April 5 at the Atlantic Church Leaders Roundtable in Sussex, N.B. EFC Alberta Ambassador Monica Loewen will be speaking the same day at the Pro-life Society of Smithers Annual General Meeting, while EFC Senior Ambassador Bruce J. Clemenger will be lecturing in an ethics and public affairs class at Ottawa’s Laurentian Leadership Centre.
→ Stories of Transformation in Canada (TOWC), online, Mar. 26
→ Bringing Hope to Newcomers and Refugees in Canada (LMT, CCCOWE), online, Mar. 26
→ Time to Take a Stand (Kentro), webinar, Mar. 27
→ Ministry Leadership Day with Darrell Bock (Heritage College & Seminary), Cambridge, Mar. 28
→ Hope & Dignity: A Catholic Response to MAiD (Archbishop Richard Smith/The King’s University), Edmonton, Apr. 2
→ Finding Your Organization’s “Elephant in the Room” (Kentro), webinar, Apr. 11
→ Communications Workers' Watercooler Break (CCCA), online, April 12
→ Inspire Youth Conference (Cheryl Nembhard/Gateway Church), St. Paul, MB, Apr. 12-13
→ When Faith Meets Doubt / Christ in Culture 2024 (IJM), Kitchener, April. 12-13
→ Porn S.O.S. (Stopping Online Sin) Men’s Event (Huron Chapel EMC), Auburn, ON, Apr. 13
→ InterVarsity Fundraising Brunch (IVCF-Q), Montréal, Apr. 13
→ Seeking a Common Word Christian-Muslim Dialogue (ACC/ELCIC), webinar, Apr. 16
→ Understanding Authoritarianism in the World—and the Church (Raymond Chiu/Redeemer University), Ancaster, April 17
→ Engaging Islam (Newcomers to Canada Project), Edmonton, Apr. 18-20
→ Marriage Enrichment Retreat (FOTC), Moncton, Apr. 19-21
→ Healing, Transforming Nations Immersion Workshop (Resonate/PRN/Daystar), Beaverton, Apr. 21-24
→ The Gospel Coalition National Conference (TGC), Vancouver, Apr. 22-24
→ Stories of Transformation in Canada (TOWC), online, Apr. 23
→ One Conference, Calgary, Apr. 25
→ Day of Renewal—Church Leadership Atlantic Canada (Strategic Renewal Can.), Moncton, Apr. 26
→ Youth Quake Sr. High Retreat (Briercrest), Caronport, Apr. 26-28
→ Capitalyze: Getting to Work in City-wide Movements (OneWay Min.), Ottawa, Apr. 26-27
→ Strengthening Your Spiritual Care Ministry (Booth U), Winnipeg, Apr. 26-27
→ Women’s Journey of Faith Conference (Shari Rigby/WJOF), Saskatoon, Apr. 26-27