News briefs

Commissioned by the Vatican, the Ark of the New Covanant is being taken to Catholic churches across Canada.

The Ark of the New Covenant, a wood sculpture adorned with icons, is making its way across the country -- preparing the way for the 49th International Eucharistic Congress scheduled next year in Quebec City. Inspired by the cross created for World Youth Day 2002, which was also taken across Canada, the sculpture is intended to enhance Roman Catholics' appreciation of the Eucharist. Last year, the Ark was taken to many Quebec churches; it has been going to various Ontario churches over the past several months. It goes to BC at the end of April, then on to Alberta.

Flying the Alpha flag

This summer, Alpha Canada will be inviting the nation to dinner -- and offering an opportunity to hear about Jesus Christ. Local church efforts will be supported by a major national outdoor advertising campaign. Churchgoers will be invited to 'Fly the Alpha Flag' on their cars -- making them eligible to win one of four iPods. This month, churches which run Alpha will receive promotional materials. Contact: 1-800-743-0899.

OM spotlights Dalits

The Global Outreach Conference of The Peoples Church in Toronto April 21 - May 6 will feature George Verwer, founder and former international director of Operation Mobilization; Steve Hawkins, a missionary with OM since 1972; and Joseph D'Souza, director of OM India and international president of the Dalit Freedom Network. D'Souza will also speak at Tyndale University College and Seminary in Toronto April 25. He is author of Dalit Freedom Now and Forever, which describes the oppression faced by India's "untouchable" caste, which numbers 250 million.

Activists issue 'Apology' for Canada

Several Canadian organizations have issued 'An Apology to the World,' to apologize for the role Canada's same-sex marriage law has played in "weakening the fundamental institution of marriage in countries and cultures around the world." The apology warns that, since the Canadian government's legislation imposes no residency requirements, some homosexuals are getting married here and then returning to their home countries to challenge the laws there. Among those issuing the apology are Canada Family Action Coalition; REAL Women of Canada; United Families Canada; Christian Heritage Party of Canada; Third Watch Ministries; United Mothers, Fathers & Friends; MY Canada Association; and Father's Resting Place.

Vision tackles porn

In an upcoming episode, VisionTV's current affairs series 360 Vision will examine the decision -- later rescinded -- by Telus Corp. to offer pornography to its cell-phone customers. Reporter Karyn Pugliese will also talk to faith leaders about the impact pornography is having upon society. The episode airs April 16 at 8:30 p.m. ET.

Christianity & science

The Vancouver Area Science and Religion Forum has announced its second annual essay contest on science and Christianity for university students from Trinity Western University and the University of British Columbia, including Regent College. Papers should have a research format and be 4,000 - 5,500 words in length. Three prizes will be awarded: $500 for first, $300 for second, and $200 for third. Papers should be submitted to metanexus.lsi.bc@gmail.com by April 30. Questions can be addressed to Paul Brown at paul.brown@twu.ca.

Mennonite leader listens

Robert J. Suderman, General Secretary of Mennonite Church Canada, in 2006 conducted a "listening tour" by visiting all of the denomination's 200+ congregations. This spring he is extending the tour to visit 17 schools and other agencies affiliated with the denomination.

New Presbyterian moderator

Rev. Dr. J.H. (Hans) Kouwenberg of Abbotsford, B.C. has been elected moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Canada for a one-year term beginning in June. A graduate of Carleton University in Ottawa, and Knox College in Toronto, Kouwenberg served as minister of St. Giles Presbyterian Church in Prince George, BC for 20 years, and is currently the minister of Calvin Presbyterian Church in Abbotsford. He has served on a wide variety of denominational and other boards and teaches literature at a Bible college in Abbotsford.

New leaders for Word Guild

The Word Guild is welcoming new leaders as it celebrates its fifth anniversary. The association, whose mandate is connecting, developing and promoting Canadian writers and editors who are Christian, sponsors the annual Write! Canada conference. The new personnel are Jane Twohey, who has been promoted from administrative assistant to project coordinator; and Kimberley Payne, who has assumed the new role of human resources coordinator. The Guild was founded by author N.J. Lindquist and journalist Wendy Elaine Nelles -- who have served as full time volunteers, and will stay on as consultants. -- Maranatha News

Onward Sally Ann

Commissioners William and Marilyn Francis, officers of the Salvation Army's USA Eastern Territory, have been appointed as territorial leaders for Canada and Bermuda -- succeeding Commissioner M. Christine MacMillan. The couple have recently served with the Army's women's ministries, for the Americas and the Caribbean Zone. They will continue working with women's ministries. -- Salvationist

April 12/2007