Dear Friend,

It’s summer and many Canadians are on summer holidays. But we’re not.
 
As you know, our legal and public policy work takes endurance and perseverance. And so, we’ll be busy throughout this summer to prepare for all that’s coming up in the fall.
 
We are grateful for all the prayer and donation support that have allowed us to continue fighting the good fight (1 Tim 6:12), by God’s grace. With your faithful partnership, we can continue to make the most of every opportunity afforded us to bring biblical principles to bear in the public square on critical social issues like care for those who are vulnerable, religious freedom, sanctity of human life and freedom of conscience.  
 
Our Centre for Faith and Public Life in Ottawa is working hard to be a strong advocate in the courts and Parliament Hill on everything we’ve been talking about this year thus far:
 
Prostitution
 
The EFC has been granted intervener status before an upcoming Ontario Superior Court challenge this fall. The Canadian Alliance for Sex Work Law Reform is challenging the constitutionality of Canada’s laws on prostitution. The EFC will be making arguments in defense of the current laws which recognize that prostitution is inherently dangerous and exploitative. Upholding the current laws will be critical to curbing the demand for paid sex that fuels sexual exploitation.
 
Doctor-Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia
 
A special committee will be reporting back to Parliament this fall with recommendations on whether to expand or change the laws around doctor-assisted suicide and euthanasia.  The EFC is urging the committee to stop the expanded access for those living solely with mental illness and to ensure strong protections for those living with physical disabilities and chronic illnesses. We are also arguing against expanding access to mature minors and by advance requests. The EFC is pushing for expanded access to palliative care in Canada and for the implementation of a national palliative and end-of-life care strategy.
 
Charitable Status
 
The EFC is concerned about proposed changes to charitable status. The finance minister has been asked to make changes to the Income Tax Act that would make “anti-abortion organizations that provide dishonest counseling to women about their rights and options” ineligible for charitable status. This directive singles out organizations with particular beliefs (about abortion and when life begins) for greater scrutiny. All charities are then potentially at risk of losing their charitable status simply for holding different beliefs from the government of the day.
 
I can’t even begin to cover adequately the depth of the EFC’s engagement on these and other issues – preparing backgrounders and briefs, writing position papers, researching and preparing written and oral submissions, appearing and speaking boldly before government panels and parliamentary committees, networking and meeting with MPs, intervening in court cases, listening to and collaborating with other stakeholders, etc.
 
We bring faith-based convictions, credible arguments, and a long history of presence and engagement on Parliament Hill. We have a reputation for being thoughtful, evidence-based, well-reasoned and constructive as we engage with law and policy makers. Due to the Centre’s proximity to Parliament Hill, the EFC can be present and engaged at a moment’s notice. The strong team in Ottawa builds relationships with MPs, Senators, and staff in order to carry out the work that God has called us to do – to boldly proclaim and uphold biblical truths.
 
Our collective engagement as Evangelicals is as important now as ever. We live in a rapidly changing culture where the norms and principles that have shaped our laws and public policy are being challenged on many fronts. We need to be part of the conversation and to respond with a credible and reasoned voice.
 
We can attribute much of EFC’s resilience and endurance to God’s blessing and faithfulness, empowering us to work hard, to be persistent and bold, and to love Him and others. But another key factor is the generosity of our supporters. Without your financial support, we couldn’t bring biblical principles to bear in the issues before our governments, our courts, and our communities. Help us this summer to better tackle all the issues coming this fall.
 
We need your support to continue to be a faithful witness to biblical principles that favour sanctity of human life, care for the vulnerable, religious freedom, marriage and family, and freedom of conscience in Canada. Think about the months ahead and what you would like to accomplish for His kingdom. Your gift today can make a difference! Together, we can “run with perseverance the race marked out for us!”


Sincerely,

Bruce Clemenger
President

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