News briefs

Child protection

"Children of 14 are not considered mature enough to smoke, vote, drive or consent to medical treatment -- and they are not mature enough to consent to sex," stated Janet Epp Buckingham to the Standing Committee on Justice of the House of Commons October 7. She was representing the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada's position on a key issue pertaining to Bill C-20. The proposed 'child protection' legislation is aimed primarily at the problem of child pornography.

AIDS babies

After viewing a video promoting the Salvation Army's annual Self-Denial/World Missions Appeal, two sisters became determined to help African babies afflicted with AIDS. Audrey MacNaughtan and Alma Traviss, of Bracebridge, Ontario, created some 1,000 quilts over a six-week period. The blankets have been sent to South Africa.

Persecuted church

"Right now around the world over 200 million people are suffering for their faith," says a recent statement from the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The organization is urging Christians to "join with Christians all over Canada and in over 100 countries to stand with our suffering sisters and brothers." The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church is scheduled November 16. For information and resources, contact: 905-479-5885.

Toronto Mass Choir

The Toronto Mass Choir are promising 'a night to remember,' as they celebrate their 15th anniversary with a special praise and worship concert. The Juno, Vibe and Covenant award winning ensemble will be joined by members of the Lifeline Orchestra November 1, at the People's Church.

Baptist anniversary

The 50th anniversary of the Fellowship of Evangelical Baptist Churches in Canada (FEBCC) will be marked October 21. The 'Fellowship Jubilee' will commemorate the 1953 merger of the Fellowship of Independent Baptist Churches of Canada and the Union of Regular Baptist Churches of Ontario and Quebec. The anniversary will also be the key focus of the denomination's National Convention 2003, scheduled for November 3 - 6 at the International Plaza Hotel in Toronto.