Majed El Shafie, head of the Toronto-based One Free World International

Activists oppose Coptic Christian deportations

THE DEPORTATION of 20 Egyptians from Canada has begun, and advocates for the group insist that they will be placed in severe danger if they are returned to Egypt. - More

Sharia law decision opposed by religious groups

REPRESENTATIVES of some of Canada's major faiths are united -- in opposition to a decision just announced by one of Canada's premiers. "There will be no sharia law in Ontario," Dalton McGuinty declared September 11. - More

Veteran journalist makes political splash

LLOYD Mackey, veteran Christian journalist and retired editor of ChristianCurrent Ottawa, is creating a stir in the Canadian political scene with his new book The Pilgrimage of Stephen Harper. - More

Coming to grips with mental illness

WRITER and photographer Marja Bergen wishes everyone who struggles with depression, as she does, could have such an "amazing" friend as the one she found at the Alliance church she now attends. During a recent suicidal episode, this friend dropped by for a visit without being asked. - More

Enlace- weaving together a world of experience

ENLACE, a Mennonite Central Committee (MCC)-supported trip to Latin America gave 10 young Canadians a chance to experience life in another country while participating in a community service project this summer. This is the first time that MCC Ontario has undertaken a cultural-immersion project initiated by youth from the community. - More

News briefs

• Toys for hurricane-affected kids
• Book commemorates Nouwen's death
• Anglicans lay off staff, trim budget
• Native believer Unshackled - More

The Sea to Sea bike tour, now going through Ontario, started June 25 at Vancouver's Jericho Beach (pictured). It is scheduled to finish in Halifax September 3.

Cross-Canada cyclists reflect at tour's midpoint

HALFWAY toward the completion of a large goal is usually a good time to reflect and take stock of the journey so far. That's just what a large group of cyclists riding across the country was able to do when 'Sea to Sea with the CRC' -- the largest cross-Canada bike tour ever held --reached its midpoint. - More

Made-in-Canada mission targets isolation

New ministry centres are providing a sense of community and support for families serving with a century-old mission agency that focuses on isolated areas of Canada. - More

Provincial Christian heritage day coming to Ontario

At a time when more and more Christians are feeling isolated and scorned for their beliefs by secular institutions, an agency of the government of Ontario will host a "provincial Christian heritage day" in August. - More

Afro-Anglican conference produces major document

THE THIRD Afro-Anglicanism Conference ended in Toronto July 26 after eight days, with a worship service aimed at 'Celebrating the Gifts of Afro-Anglicanism.' - More

News briefs

• Support for war resisters
• Canada under Siege!
• Rhema Today on the air
• Celebrating Canada's Black church
• Mission establishes scholarship
• Niagara spiritual landmark to close - More

All-day fundraiser to aid accident victims - www.christiancurrent.com/ontario/2005/august/fundraiser.htm

Until traditional marriage is enshrined, keep fighting say advocates - www.christiancurrent.com/ontario/2005/august/tradmarriage.htm

Cute little insects are out to give Veggie Tales a run for their money. This episode of Bugtime Adventures tells the biblical story of Joseph.

Going Buggy

Bugtime Adventures is a new animated series which presents Bible stories as seen through the eyes of God's smaller creations. - More

Composer gives a platform to independent artists

PHOENIX 5 is a Canadian Christian music company based in Ontario, which represents more than 45 recording artists. - More

Thrift with a mission

AFTERNOON TEA is a welcome break. The staff catch up on news and review the upcoming schedule. Soon they'll get back to sorting, pricing and selling. - More

From Ontario with Mercy

RON KYLE has a problem. Parked in his driveway is not only a pickup truck and trailer crammed with used hospital equipment, but his garage is so full of old x-ray light boxes that he can't unload his last load. But he's smiling all the while he bemoans his fate. - More

News briefs

• Gospel Challenge
• Tsunami aid still needed
• CCC moves
• L'Arche starting over - More

Gideons try for permission to give out New Testament in elementary schools
- http://www.christiancurrent.com/ontario/2005/june/gideons.htm

God jump-starts gourmet food delivery service
- http://www.christiancurrent.com/ontario/2005/june/jumpstart.htm

Prayer makes the difference in sisters' accident recovery
- http://www.christiancurrent.com/ontario/2005/june/prayer.htm

Ontario Headlines - May 2005

Three honorees at Wycliffe College's recent convocation: Dave Toycen (Degree of Doctor of Sacred Letters), The Retired Reverend Colin Johnson (Degree of Doctor of Divinity) and Sister Constance Joanna Gefvert (Degree of Doctor of Divinity)

World Vision's Toycen honoured

Dave Toycen, president and CEO of World Vision Canada was presented with a doctorate in Sacred Letters at Wycliffe College's convocation ceremony May 9. - More

MissionFest Toronto smaller, but healthier

ALTHOUGH it was a scaled back version compared to similar conferences in recent years, MissionFest Toronto (MFT) attracted a good-size crowd and raised some much-needed capital to help reduce its debt. - More

Gideons blitz Toronto with Bibles

MORE than 200 members of the Gideons International in Canada descended on Toronto recently to hand out free Bibles and New Testaments during a three-day "Bible Blitz." - More

News briefs

• Distance Ed at Emmanuel Bible College
• Canadian Chinese made official at Tyndale
• Shai Awards to be given on May 14 - More

Ontario Headlines - April 2005

Federal Opposition leader Stephen Harper was a key speaker at the recent 'March for Marriage' held at Parliament Hill in Ottawa.

MissionFest in Toronto

On the weekend of April 8 and 9, thousands of mission-minded people from Ontario gathered at Toronto's Queensway Cathedral for two days of worship services, informational workshops and inspirational plenary sessions. PrayGTA partnered with MissionFest Toronto to provide prayer coverage for the event. Intercessory worship for the peoples of the earth began April 7 and continued non-stop until April 9. Info: praygta.com.

Toronto sisterhood turns key

Members of the Sisterhood of St. John the Divine, an Anglican order of nuns, will hold an open house in May to welcome friends and associates to their new convent in north Toronto. They moved into the house and celebrated the consecration of their new chapel last January. The new buildings are "incredibly beautiful," Sister Constance Joanna Gefvert, the reverend mother, told The Anglican, the diocese of Toronto's newspaper. Twenty-eight sisters live at the property, constructed near St. John's Rehabilitation Hospital, which the order founded in 1936. They moved last September from a convent, also in north Toronto, that they had inhabited for 50 years. The old property had become hemmed in by highway construction and high-rise condominium developments. In addition to managing St. John's, the sisterhood also welcomes guests on retreats and lead spiritual programs off-site. -- The Anglican Journal

Shai Awards polls now open

The Nominees have been selected for the 2005 Shai Awards and now Canadians can vote. Nationwide fan voting has begun for the 2005 Shai Awards, the people's choice awards for Canadian Christian Gospel Music. From April 5 to May 10, fans can choose their favourites from the list of nominees in all 23 categories ranging from pop, rock, urban. This year, the Shai Awards will be held in South Western Ontario to cap off VGM (Vibe Gospel Music) week May 9 - 14. VGM, a volunteer organization founded in 1998 by Dionne Smith, was formed for Canadian Christian gospel artists who needed a platform to showcase their talent and attain a position of credibility in the Canadian Contemporary/Gospel and world music arena.

LifeLine now on Crossroads Television

The television show LifeLine, which aims to be a prophetic voice revealing God's purpose for the nation, began broadcasting on Crossroads Television April 4 in Toronto, London, Ottawa and other Ontario regions. Hosted by Dr. Dick and Joan Dewert, the show's guests will include national and international leaders who will share stories of the miracles that God has performed in their lives, as well as the music of the Miracle Praise Band, testimonies, teaching and live on-air prayers. LifeLine is the Miracle Channel's flagship program based out of Lethbridge, Alberta and can be seen in various parts of the world. It can also be seen on Bell Express Vu channel 652, and StarChoice channel 357.

Randy Stonehill recently appeared on 100 Huntley Street

Randy Stonehill on 100 Huntley

An interview with Christian music veteran Randy Stonehill was featured March 14 on 100 Huntley Street. On his 18th record, Edge Of The World, Stonehill returns to his roots musically and lyrically, but is careful to reflect the 21st century. Stonehill, whose discography spans over 31 years, was once considered too 'Christian' for the mainstream and too 'Rock and Roll' for the church. He blazed trails now traveled by Christian musicians, influencing countless young fans and future artists along the way. His first album. Welcome To Paradise, was released in 1976. His last album before Edge Of The World was Thirst in 1998. Edge of the World includes an unprecedented number of key guest musicians: Larry Norman, Phil Keaggy, Barry McGuire, Noel Paul Stookey, Annie Herring, Love Song, Phil Madeira, Michael Roe, Russ Taff and Sara Groves.

Good Friday 'Justice Walk'

Violence against women is the theme for this year's Good Friday 'Walk for Justice' through downtown Toronto streets, March 25, at the Church of the Holy Trinity (behind Eaton Centre). The walk continues a tradition begun more than 20 years ago in which Toronto-based Christians from various church backgrounds hold a creative alternative to traditional Good Friday services. The annual walk draws inspiration from the execution of Jesus as a political criminal. Good Friday walkers focus on sites that remind them of people who are dominated or neglected by mainstream society. They will listen to short speeches; watch drama and dance presentations, sing, pray and reflect, then move to another location. Over the years the walkers have stopped at government and corporate offices, warm-air grates where homeless people sleep, prisons, and political party headquarters. Call (416) 275-6059 or e-mail permci@sympatico.ca.

MCC mobile meat canning to proceed

Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Canada has received confirmation from Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) spokesman, Dr. Richard Arsenault, that it is allowed to proceed with its scheduled meat canning sessions to the end of 2005. A letter of confirmation, signed by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Andrew Mitchell, is expected soon. - More

Globe & Mail finds God

The Globe & Mail, which is not known for its coverage of evangelical Christianity, recently ran a three-part series called 'In God They Trust' on the topic of the U.S. evangelical Christian right. It was featured on the cover of the Globe's 'Focus' section. A non-believer, reporter Ian Brown, admitted that rumours of the U.S. "turning evangelical" made him want to head south and check it out. The three parts were entitled 'Letting Jesus Drive,' 'Supersize Thee' and 'Family Values Central.' Brown wrote: "I thought I would climb in a car and try to meet a few religious people first-hand, without prejudice. I wasn't sure it was possible . . . I'm the most banal kind of secular, the kind of person who prays when he's scared, but doesn't believe the rest of the time. Can such a person meet believers on their own terms?"

KAIROS, Mexican-style

The KAIROS (Ecumenical Justice Initiatives) Mexico delegation spent March 11-19 in that country. Participants offered daily reflections in the form of 'BishBlogs' - from Bishop Sue Moxley of the Anglican Church and Bishop Ray Schultz of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. They and other delegation members were in Northern Mexico (Ciudad Juarez) and Southern Mexico (Chiapas), respectively, visiting with partners and learning about the impact of free trade agreements on human rights, indigenous communities, and women. Contact: www.kairoscanada.org

The Centurion's Report

David Kitz is the author of The Soldier, the Terrorist & the Donkey King, a first century novel that details the events of Christ's Passion. Unlike Mel Gibson's film, The Passion of the Christ, Kitz's novel takes an eight-day look at these events entirely from the perspective of the Roman centurion who provided oversight to the crucifixion. Kitz is currently finishing a whirlwind cross-Canada book and drama tour. The novel springs from a one-man, four act drama entitled The Centurion's Report, which Kitz has been performing in venues across Canada and into the US for more than ten years. For eight months, Kitz's novel has been the number one bestseller in the fiction category at Salem Storehouse, Canada's largest independent Christian retailer. His upcoming Ontario appearances will be in Orleans, Manotick, Russell and Ottawa. Contact: www.dkzproductions.com

Visionary travels Canada

Renowned ophthalmologist and visionary, Dr. Rainald Duerksen, will be touring Canada April 3 - 17 to give a first-hand account of his team's efforts to make eye care and cataract surgery available and affordable for every last man, woman and child in South America. He'll show how Canadians can help to make this vision a reality. Based in Paraguay, Dr. Duerksen has set up a model eye clinic that delivers first-class, self-sustainable eye treatment. Programa Vision and Christian Blind Mission International Canada have been in partnership since 2001. Together, they are committed to building a strategic base eye hospital in Asuncion, Paraguay, where Dr. Duerksen and his team will train eye doctors and treat an ever growing number of patients. He will make several Ontario appearances, in Stouffville, St. Catherines and Petersburg. Contact 1-800-567-2264 or www.cbmicanada.org

Composer to perform piece in Holy Land

Ontario composer Ruth Fazal's Oratorio Terezin is a celebration of the future of the nation of Israel that was reborn out of the ashes of the Holocaust. Oratorio Terezin, with full symphonic orchestra, renowned soloists, children and adult choirs, is highly regarded and is on its way to Israel this May. Three concerts will take place: in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Karmiel, near Haifa. May 5 is Holocaust memorial day in Israel and that being the 60th year of the liberation of the camps, Yad Vashem, the holocaust museum in Jerusalem is to host an international gathering of survivors May 4 - 9.

Dialogue with God leads to Kitchener-area acting career

University students ask vocational questions and Nicole Lee's questions became a dialogue with God after she became a Christian during her freshman year at San Francisco State University. - christiancurrent.com/ontario/2005/march/dialogue.htm

Two new churches unique but similar

Two new churches recently launched in the Waterloo region have much in common while possessing unique features that set them apart. - christiancurrent.com/ontario/2005/march/twochurches.htm

Church uses 'Purge Sundays' to send non-committed elsewhere

THE MEETING House, a Brethren In Christ multi-site congregation that calls itself a "church for people who aren't into church," regularly invites those who don't want to "get in" to their church by making a demonstrable commitment, to "get out." - More

Ontario Headlines - February 2005

The interior of Shaarei Tzedec, one of Toronto's historic synagogues. The image is part of Instruments of Faith, an exhibit by photographer Robert Burley.

Historic Toronto synagogues spotlighted

Instruments of Faith, an exhibit by photographer Robert Burley, explores six downtown Toronto synagogues established in the early part of the 20th century is on display at University of Toronto's Eric Arthur Gallery from February through May 21. Four of the six are in the Kensington Market area and surrounding neighborhood and the other two are at the east and west ends of the city. Constructed by immigrant communities, these modest buildings played an important role in Toronto's development as a major urban centre. Burley, who teaches at the School of Image Arts at Ryerson University in Toronto, was drawn to the buildings that had a "uniquely timeless quality -- created as 'instruments of faith' to encourage spiritual life and community bonds." - http://www.imagearts.ryerson.ca/rburley/IOF/index.htm

Theologians try to explain the 'why?' of the tsunami disaster

The devastation of more than 221,000 deaths, resulting from a December 25 tsunami in southeast Asia, have prompted many a theologian and journalist to engage in theodicy­the theological defence of the goodness and sovereignty of God. - http://www.christiancurrent.com/ontario/2005/february/theologians.htm

New novel shows dedication of military chaplains

They lie in military cemeteries, unsung soldiers of God who, armed only with the scriptures and their commitment to the soldiers they served and among the thousands of Canadians who died in the defence of freedom. - http://www.christiancurrent.com/ontario/2005/february/newnovel.htm

Kitchener author contributes to 'God allows U-Turns' anthology

Writer Nan McKenzie Kosowan is one of only two Canadians among the 52 contributing authors to God Answers Prayers, the latest book of the American-published God Allows U-Turns series. - http://www.christiancurrent.com/ontario/2005/february/kit-author.htm

Suzuki rallies the faithful

World-renowned Canadian scientist David Suzuki has challenged faith communities to get involved in the preservation and protection of the environment - maintaining that it is a spiritual issue, which is reflected in various religious traditions that hold the earth as a sacred trust. - More

School can now grant PhD

The Institute for Christian Studies (ICS), a Christian graduate school based in Toronto, has become one of the first privately-funded independent academic institutions in Canada to be able to grant its own Doctor of Philosophy degrees. ICS' application to grant its own PhD, as well as MA degrees in philosophy, was accepted in late December. Work will now begin to secure an amendment to the 1983 legislation called The ICS Act, to make the changes granted by ministerial consent permanent. (www.icscanada.edu)

Christian Farmers celebrate 50 years

The Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario (CFFO) recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, at its annual convention in London, Ontario. The federation was started by a dozen farmers in Strathroy, Ontario - all recent immigrants from the Netherlands - with a goal "as Christian farmers, to carry out God's word in Canada." - The Banner

O'Souza appointed Assumption president

The 20th president of Assumption University in Windsor, Ontario is Fr. Mario Osbert O'Souza, C.S.B. O'Souza, a native of Pakistan, took up his new position in January; but it's not his first affiliation with the federated college, and forerunner, of the University of Windsor. He has served as Assumption's board chair; and he taught in the University of Windsor's faculty of education for four years in the 1990s. A scholar of some repute, he has been associate professor at the University of St. Michael's College faculty of theology in Toronto. He has published extensively on education philosophy and has a particular interest in the relationship between religion and culture.

Ontario Headlines - December 2004

The Salvation Army's Christine MacMillan is seen here in Papua New Guinea.

Canada's Sally Ann defusing Papua's 'time bomb'

THERE'S a whole lot more to the Salvation Army than the jingling bells and donation pots seen and heard at holiday time. The adventures of Toronto-based commissioner Christine MacMillan, territorial commander for Canada and Bermuda, are a prime example of this. - more

Journalist's career celebrated

ON a mid-October evening in Ottawa about 50 colleagues and friends of Lloyd Mackey gathered to celebrate the career and commitment of a man who long ago understood that newspapers have a vital role to play in linking Christians in ministry and purpose. - more

Celebration 2005 aimed at uniting Canada's churches

AFTER being postponed from October, the 2005 Prayer Mobilization Convocation for Celebration 2005 (C2005) will take place January 8, 2005 on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. - more

Processing delays frustrate churches, refugees

MEMUNAH'S young son has celebrated another birthday far away from his mother, separated from her by an ocean and miles of bureaucratic red tape. - more

Dedicated couple honoured by Tyndale

AT a recent special ceremony, Toronto's Tyndale University College & Seminary celebrated the dedication of The Van Norman Worship and Study Centre. The centre is named for Ian and Alice-Marie Van Norman, whose generous financial support led to the transformation of Tyndale's on-campus chapel into a multifunctional space. - more

Victorious Toronto Argonauts coach Mike 'Pinball' Clemons.

Clemons and Buono share more than Grey Cup memories

WAS the 2004 Grey Cup game a holy engagement? It would seem that perhaps the Lord was in the mood for a godly game of football November 21; considering the fact that the coaches on both sides have publicly expressed faith in Christ, both teams were most likely covered in prayer and ready for some brotherly competition. In the end, the Toronto Argonauts won 27-19 in a stadium filled with over 51,000 roaring fans. But win or lose, both coaches say they know what is most important. - more

Ontario news briefs

• Campolo, Zulu raise AIDS awareness
• Catholic TV changes channels
• Tyndale gets new worship and study centre
• Bishops dialogue in Ottawa
• Write! Toronto draws a crowd
• Catholic activists elect new president
• Patenting genes: blessing or curse?
• Ontario Anglicans appoint new bishop, metropolitan
• Child porn blocking law passed
• Emmanuel hopes to 'Ignite the Culture'
• Calling all Canadian Christian writers... - more

Ontario Headlines - October 2004

Palestinian activist and priest Naim Ateek recently spoke in several Ontario cities.

Christian Zionism not 'the Way,' says Palestinian priest

SABEEL is Arabic for 'The Way.' Sabeel Ecumenical Center for Liberation Theology in Jerusalem was established a decade ago "to develop a spirituality based on justice, peace, non-violence, liberation and reconciliation." Sabeel founder Naim Ateek has been an Anglican priest for 30 years, and has written and spoken extensively about the problems of the Middle East. - more

Ottawa church "re-inventing" city core ministry

OTTAWA'S Dominion Chalmers United Church, like most city centre churches, was facing a dwindling congregation as church families fled to the suburbs. To lure them back, the staid downtown church on O'Connor Street has created DC Presentations, to bring a mix of music, education and leadership training to reach out in a new way. - more

Ontario news briefs

• Celebration 2005 starts now
• Mission 125 years old
• Child safety video issued in Ontario
• Affordable housing to increase in Toronto
• Urban Compositions on display - more

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