Parliament is now back in session after a summer hiatus, and an important vote on MAiD for mental illness will take place tomorrow. You can read more about that upcoming vote in this monthly roundup of EFC news and content, along with other important items that include:
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which other bills the EFC policy team is tracking
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how you can mark International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church this year
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how the EFC responded to a new policy that forbids military chaplains from praying
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an EFC court intervention coming up this week
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and more
Vote tomorrow on Bill C-218
Tomorrow MPs will vote on whether they support Bill C-218 in principle, a bill that would stop MAiD on the basis of mental illness. Please ask your MP today to vote for Bill C-218.
The government has not yet indicated what it will do about the coming expansion of MAiD for mental illness or if it will adopt the committee recommendation to indefinitely pause the expansion.
Parliament resumed in September, and there is also some other legislation to watch this fall. The EFC is studying Bill C-34 and Bill C-36 and will engage on these bills that affect online safety and the protection of kids online.
International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church
International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church falls on Sunday, November 1. Over 350 million Christians worldwide endure intense levels of persecution and discrimination simply because of their faith. IDOP is an annual opportunity for Christians around the world to unite in prayer for our brothers and sisters who are suffering for their trust in Jesus.
The EFC encourages you to incorporate this important day of unified prayer, disciple-making and witness into the life of your congregation and sphere of influence this November. IDOP 2026 promotional materials and a wide range of resources are available upon registration at www.idop.ca.
Banning chaplains from referring to God
The EFC has sent a letter to the Defence Minister urging him to rescind the new policy that forbids military chaplains from not only praying, but also from referring to God or the divine in spiritual reflections at official public events. The EFC asked the minister to replace the policy with a more inclusive approach.
EFC co-intervening in Vabuolas religious freedom case
The EFC will be at the Supreme Court of Canada on Friday co-intervening in the Vabuolas case. This case addresses whether the state can compel religious communities to release confidential records about decision-making on purely religious matters. The EFC is co-intervening with the CCCC to argue that the Charter protects the communal life of faith communities, including their ability to pray, deliberate and discern together confidentially on purely spiritual matters. Please pray for legal counsel and for a good hearing.
Faith Today blog roundup
Here’s our roundup of Faith Today blogs from the past month, including:
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Lutheran Association of Missionaries and Pilots reaches out to remote First Nations communities.
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Larry Hurst of Regina reflects on the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation on his morning run.
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Brenda Krawagna of Oshawa, Ont., shares faith lessons she has learned on her health journey.
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Andrew Croft of Open Doors invites Christians to stand alongside fellow believers in sub-Saharan Africa by praying and signing a petition.
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Charity leader Dan Murray explains why he spent part of his vacation walking to raise money in an initiative called Walking People Out of Poverty.
To receive our regular email newsletter with links to Faith Today articles, blogs and podcasts, sign up here.
EFC staff engagements this month
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Metropolitan Bible Church, Ottawa, EFC president David Guretzki speaking to MET seniors, October 8
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Catch the Fire Church, Toronto, EFC Presidents Day, October 22
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Online, Mission Agency Leaders Network Consultation hosted by EFC vice-president of ministry and public engagement Rick Hiemstra with EFC vice-president of finance and operations Karen Fishwick and EFC global liaison Phil Wagler also present, October 23
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Richmond Hill Community Church, executive director of Welcome Church Raymond Cheng presenting Welcome Church at ACEM Missions Conference, October 24
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Ambrose University, Calgary, EFC director of public policy Julia Beazley speaking on panel about human trafficking, October 26
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Bonavista Church, Calgary, EFC vice-president of ministry and partnerships Rick Hiemstra and director of public policy Julia Beazley speaking at church leaders’ gathering, October 28
Find more Canadian Christian community events and post your own at TheEFC.ca/Calendar.