Dear Friend,
Let me begin by expressing how truly grateful I am for your prayers and generous support of the EFC, especially during these challenging times.
Throughout Canada’s history, Evangelicals have come together to build up the Body of Christ as well as to advocate for righteousness, justice, and the public good. The EFC was formed in 1964 in order to promote fellowship and cooperation amongst churches and ministry organizations, to advance the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to provide a united voice on biblical truths in the public square.
We believe that God’s ways are perfect and that justice cannot exist without truth (Isaiah 59:14-15). As such, it is imperative that the Christian voice be present in the public sphere – it is where we, as a society, decide who we are and who we will be, and where we consider and resolve the issues of the day.
Determining what role the EFC should play in the public square and what causes we should champion has always been challenging. But one thing is certain: We won’t be silent.
The EFC has a long and proven track record of tackling major challenges and achieving significant victories as we seek to boldly proclaim and uphold the Word of Truth. To impact how laws and policies are enacted in Canada, we are an unwavering voice of life-giving principles and biblical truths to our governments. We are widely respect for our faith-based convictions, reasoned and credible arguments, influence, and staying power.
At no time in history have we been called to address so many issues – related to care for the vulnerable, religious freedom, sanctity of human life, and marriage and family – to which a biblically informed voice needs to be heard. Undoubtedly, we will face many more important challenges in the days ahead.
The EFC is currently working very hard to respond to two important pieces of legislation which the government is eager to push through:
- Bill C-7 would remove the requirement that a person’s death must be “reasonably foreseeable” in order to be eligible for doctor-assisted suicide and euthanasia. By making it possible for those who are not terminally ill to have access to hastened death, individuals who are already vulnerable will be at even greater risk of harm from coercion and abuse. These include those with chronic conditions, the elderly and those living with disabilities – people who already feel devalued and stigmatized by many and who still struggle with difficulties in getting the support they need to live.
Where death is deemed as reasonably foreseeable, Bill C-7 also proposes to remove the 10-day reflection period between the request and the act to end the life; the requirement for two independent witnesses; and the requirement that a person must be able to consent at the time of the hastened death.
- Bill C-8 would criminalize conversion therapy, described as any “practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual or gender identity to cisgender, or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour.” Under this broad definition, there is grave concern that a sermon series, a youth Bible study or other programs that present biblical truths on matters of sexuality may be deemed criminal. We must ensure that conversion therapy is defined in a way that does not infringe on expression of religious belief and instruction, parental guidance or the provision of pastoral care. Faith communities should not be prohibited from offering spiritual care that is voluntarily sought out and received by those wishing to live in accordance with their religious conscience, faith identity and personal convictions.
Our work in Ottawa is crucial and has far-reaching consequences. We have tackled these and many other issues over the years, ensuring that biblical truths are boldly proclaimed and that biblical principles are given due consideration before laws are enacted.
That the EFC’s Centre for Faith and Public Life is located strategically near Parliament Hill is a great blessing. Our proximity has made our team accessible to our country’s law and policy makers and has allowed us to be present and engaged at a moment’s notice – whether it’s to meet with Members of Parliament or to appear before a government committee.
Your contributions are essential in allowing us to remain well positioned, both literally and figuratively, to impact policy decisions for the benefit of all Canadians, now and in the coming months. In the midst of economic uncertainty, we thank God for each donation we receive from our EFC family of supporters. Please consider making a gift today in support of our ministry. As always, thank you for partnering with us to further His kingdom work!
Sincerely,
Bruce Clemenger
President
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,
…encouraging one another (Hebrews 10:24-25)