Bill would require age verification of those depicted in explicit content
The EFC supports Bill C-270, a private member's bill that would require commercial pornography producers and distributors to verify the age and consent of each person depicted in explicit content before it is uploaded. This bill is moving through the House of Commons and had its first hour of debate on April 9. For more information, including a sample letter, see TheEFC.ca/C-270.
Canada Summer Jobs report released
A committee of MPs has just released a report on their study of the Canada Summer Jobs program. The EFC made a written submission last October to the committee, noting the grant program has a positive impact for many churches and faith-based organizations but that some feel they are being flagged for review due to their religious beliefs. The report only briefly mentions the concerns of faith-based organizations about the application process, although a dissenting report specifically notes the religious freedom concerns. The EFC will continue to ask that problems with the program be addressed.
EFC researcher presents at Baptist General Conference
EFC Researcher Rick Hiemstra will be speaking to pastors and church leaders from the Central District of the Baptist General Conference on “The Church on the Margins.” This one-hour Zoom presentation will look why the Gospel is so hard for Canadians to hear, and what we can do about it.
The importance of reading of “old books”
British Christian author C.S. Lewis once wrote an essay arguing for the importance of reading historical works of theology. Faith Today History Lesson columnist Craig Allert elaborates on why reading older theological sources is important to broaden our understanding of our Christian faith.
Learning from Jesus and the woman at the well
The way Jesus talked with the woman at the well shows us the steps of caring with sensitivity, creating safety and belonging, writes Ty Ragan of Calgary in the latest post at FaithToday.ca.
→ Understanding Authoritarianism in the World and the Church (R. Chiu/Redeemer Univ.), Ancaster, Apr. 17
→ Engaging Islam (Newcomers to Canada Project), Edmonton, Apr. 18-20
→ Beyond Culture Wars: Fostering Solidarity in an Age of Polarization, Waterloo, Apr. 18-20
→ Marriage Enrichment Retreat (FOTC), Moncton, Apr. 19-21
→ Healing Hearts, 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 (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
→ Discovery Bible Study & Your Muslim Friend (Loving Muslims Together), online, Apr. 27
→ North Korea Never Abandoned Tour (Open Doors), Kemptville, Apr. 29; Regina, May 4; Moose Jaw, May 5; Swift Current, May 7
→ Church Planting Rhythms & Rituals (Centre for Missional Leadership), Vancouver, May 2-4
→ Leadership Summit for Young Adults (Apologetics Canada), West Guilford, May 3-5
→ Change Conference Alberta (YFC/Youth Unlimited), Calgary, May 3-4
→ Ontario Christian Home Educators Connection conference (OCHEC), Ancaster, May 3-4
→ National Prayer Breakfast, Ottawa, May 7