News briefs

Tyndale appoints Posterski

Tyndale University College & Seminary in Toronto has announced the appointment of Dr. Donald Posterski as research professor in Christianity and Culture for the 2004/2005 academic year. Posterski is a researcher and author who frequently interprets social trends and religious issues for the media. He has written extensively on Canadian culture, youth and church life. His most recent book is Enemies with Smiling Faces: Defeating the Subtle Threats that Endanger Christians. He also serves as director for Christian Impact for the World Vision International Partnership. Two other recent Tyndale appointments include Rev. Dr. Ronald A.N. Kydd as research professor of Church History and Dr. Mark Steinacher as coordinator of Spring, Summer and Extension programs.

Municipal bylaw to block child porn

The Huron East Town Council in Ontario has passed a second reading of a municipal bylaw requiring Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in their community to put technology in place to block identified child pornography sites. The group United Mothers requested letters of support for the bylaw and 14,000 were sent. The bylaw was put forward by Councillor Mark Beaven who also credited United Mothers letters sent to Bell Canada with influencing the donation of $700,000 to Cyberaide.ca, a group dedicated to fighting child pornography online.

Maja gospel awards gala announced

The gospel music Maja Awards Organization based in Toronto recently announced the 2004 Maja Awards gala will be held September 18. The Maja Awards event, founded in 1985, includes a week of concerts and competitions in the Greater Toronto Area between September 11 and 18. It includes a Caribbean Night, Contemporary/Southern Gospel Night and Urban Gospel Music night. Regional winners from Ottawa and Montreal will be joining local Toronto artists to compete in three categories -- Gospel Star (gospel version of Canadian Idol), Canadian Recording Artist and Canadian National Gospel Song Competition.

Inter-Varsity to honour alumni

As a part of its 75th Anniversary celebrations, Inter-Varsity Canada will honour alumni from the various outreach programs who are "transforming the future in their sphere of influence," according to Inter-Varsity president Geri Rodman. The Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship Alumni Awards will recognize students, campers, volunteers for staff. Any alumnus, of any aspect of Inter-Varsity, may nominate another alumnus by filling out an Alumni Award Nomination Form from Inter-Varsity's National Service Centre or by visiting the Inter-Varsity website. Nominations for the Inter-Varsity Alumni Awards will be accepted until September 10, 2004. Winners will be announced in the fall of 2004.

Convicted sex offender keeps church job

John Galliene, convicted in 1990 of sexually abusing 13 young boys, has been cleared to work at St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church in Ottawa -- but under the guidance of a volunteer circle of support and accountability. The sexual violations took place at a Kingston parish, but Galliene moved to Ottawa after serving four years in prison. In the circle of support, volunteers enter into written agreements with high-risk sex offenders to provide support and daily contact, while holding them accountable for their behaviour. According to the Correctional Service of Canada, a recent study reported only three of 30 sex offenders who belong to circles had re-offended.

Book of Mormon to be published commercially

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has agreed to allow Doubleday to publish the Book of Mormon in November. It will be the first time since its initial publication in 1830 that a trade publisher has handled distribution of the Mormon scripture outside the church. The decision was made in order to make the book more widely available, church spokesman Dale Bills said. Millions of copies of the Book of Mormon are in print, with the full text available in 72 languages and excerpts in 32 others. Doubleday's version will be without the lengthy footnotes and cross-references of the church's version, according to Michelle Rapkin of Doubleday. Details of the agreement have not been finalized, including distribution of profits.

Toronto to host Afro-Anglicanism conference

The third International Conference on Afro-Anglicanism will be held in Toronto July 20-27, 2005. Approximately 500 Anglicans representing various parts of the Anglican Communion are expected to attend the conference that takes place every 10 years. The theme is 'Celebrating the Gifts of Afro-Anglicanism.' Keynote speakers and workshops will address issues of spirituality, global and social issues. Previous conferences were held in Barbados in 1985 and Cape Town, South Africa in 1995.