Dear Friend,
The next federal election is only months away. In this time, we pause to reflect on the privileges the EFC has had to be a public voice for biblical principles in the midst of political change.
Since its inception in 1964, the EFC has been through 17 federal elections. We have seen Prime Ministers and opposition leaders come and go and watched political parties rise and fall. Through it all, the EFC has been the unwavering voice for the good news of the gospel before our country’s legislators.
We work to honour God by seeking the welfare of our land (Jeremiah 29:7), for the good of all, by championing laws and policies that promote the biblical understanding of justice, righteousness, compassion and genuine freedom.
Our work is crucial because public policy impacts our lives. It influences the way we interact with and care for one another. We are all personally affected, for better or worse, by the laws of the land. They help define what we value as a society.
Our work is important because there is a lot at stake. As part of our Christian witness, we strive to be good neighbours as well as responsible and law-abiding citizens. But what should we do when proposed or existing laws violate the sanctity of human life, deny justice and compassion to those being abused and oppressed, undermine the integrity and health of families, or challenge our religious freedoms?
Such laws must not go unchallenged. We must speak up, knowing that our faith and our deeds are inextricably linked, and that our laws impact the extent to which we can express our faith.
As you know, the EFC had strategically established its Centre for Faith and Public Life near Parliament Hill. Our proximity to the Hill has made our team of experts accessible to individual MPs and government committees, and has allowed the EFC to be present and engaged at a moment’s notice. For five and a half decades, we have been effective at identifying, building, and maintaining strategic relationships that have strengthened the work that God has called us to do.
The EFC has a long and proven track record of tackling major challenges and achieving significant victories as we seek boldly to proclaim and uphold scriptural truths in our interactions with law and policy makers. We have the experience, knowledge and proven ability to clearly present biblical principles to those with “ears to hear” God’s timeless truths on many issues. We are widely respected for our faith-based convictions, credible arguments, influence, and solid reputation. As a result, the doors to many offices are opened for us.
We are distinguished as being the evangelical voice of millions in Canada who hold the Bible as the final authority in life. Our affiliates include 45 denominations, nearly 100 ministry organizations and Christian higher education institutions, and approximately 600 congregations across the country, united through a shared desire to bless Canada in the name of Jesus.
There are so many pressing issues that are of concern to Evangelicals in Canada. EFC supporters and affiliates continue to tell us that they value our work in upholding religious freedom, stable family structures, sanctity of human life, and the care and protection of the vulnerable – including the elderly, the disabled, the homeless, indigenous women, children of the state, our veterans, refugees, and the victims of human trafficking.
The EFC is constantly identifying and preparing to meet with MPs and Senators on these and other serious issues. With the deep and unwavering care and concern we have shown in such policy areas throughout our long history, we have earned a seat at the table to speak and be heard.
We are well aware of the fact that we’re not speaking the word of God into a vacuum. We know that other voices, bearing false messages, must not remain unchallenged.
Friends like you have affirmed your trust in the EFC’s ability to get the job done. We are grateful for your investment in the EFC. We are encouraged when Christians like you seek to become more educated on the issues that profoundly impact us and our neighbours, thus allowing you to speak with reason and clarity about them within your spheres of influence.
Will you continue to pray for the work that we do on Parliament Hill, as well as for the wisdom of our country’s law and policy makers? Whatever the outcome of the next election will be, our work on the Hill continues undeterred. If the Spirit so moves you today, please make a gift to ensure that our crucial work can continue and our collective voice might remain undiminished. And may your light continue to “shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matt 5:16).
Sincerely,
David Guretzki
Executive Vice-President & Acting President
P.S. In case you do not already know, our President, Bruce Clemenger, is away on sabbatical until December 1 for a long-overdue and well-deserved time of rest and study.
P.P.S. Remember, voting is one way Christians can contribute to society and the public good. When we vote, we recognize the profound influence politics has on the lives of all Canadians. I encourage you to check out our resources online at www.TheEFC.ca/Election2019.