News Briefs

Campolo, Zulu raise AIDS awareness

Tony Campolo is crossing Canada to get Christians more involved in the battle against AIDS. Campolo says the Christian community has failed to act on its faith and calls for an immediate response. Coinciding with World AIDS Day (December 1), he will speak in Moncton, Mississauga, Bellville, Calgary and Vancouver between November 29 and December 5. The HIV-positive Princess Zulu of Zambia, who has described her own illness as spiritual journey in her speaking engagements worldwide, will join him in Delta, B.C. December 4 and 5.

Institute studies effects of porn on children

November 19 was World Day for Prevention of Child Abuse, according to the Women's World Summit Federation, a Geneva-based non-governmental organization affiliated with the United Nations. In recognition, the Saskatchewan-based Canadian Institute for Education on the Family (CIEF) released the research paper, 'The Harmful Effects on Children of Exposure to Pornography,' which quotes numerous scientific studies to demonstrate a strong correlation between exposure to pornography and subsequent deviant sexual behaviour by children. CIEF's mission is to educate and inform the public in Canada of the societal trends and social practices that have impact on families and children. Contact CIEF President Cecilia Forsyth at 306-253-4789.

Mennonites re-open Calgary office

Mennonite Foundation of Canada (MFC) has announced the re-opening of its Calgary office after an absence of 15 years. Gary Sawatzky, a native of Saskatoon and presently living in Preeceville, Saskatchewan, has accepted appointment as MFC's stewardship consultant for the province and will be operating the office on a full-time basis. Dave Kroeker, who has been serving the Foundation's Alberta constituency for 12 years from the Abbotsford, B.C. office, will continue as stewardship consultant for MFC's B.C. churches. The office opening will coincide with the dedication on December 4 of recently completed offices for MCC Alberta and Mennonite Mutual Insurance as an addition to the Thrift Store at that address. Mennonite Historical Society of Alberta will also have its archives and offices at the new complex.

ABC launches TESOL program

Alberta Bible College has a new, four-year bachelor's degree and a two-year diploma or certificate with a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and Ministry major to begin January 2005. According to President Ron Fraser, "Alberta Bible College is offering the only TESOL program with a 'missional' focus in Calgary." Although other TESOL Canada-certified programs are offered in Calgary, none has a view to fulfilling the Great Commission. Two 'stand alone' qualifications will be offered: the IQTESOL introductory qualification, and the CETESOL advanced qualification. These can be completed in just one semester and are designed to TESOL Canada standards. Founded in 1932, Alberta Bible College is one of Alberta's oldest degree-granting institutions of higher learning and is one of Canada's oldest Bible colleges. Contact: Robert Long or Linda Best at 403-282-2994.

Conservative 'Directions'

The Canadian Conservative Assembly was held in Calgary November 12 - 13. A new organization, named 'Directions,' coordinated the five pillars of conservatism: rank-and-file activists, media, academics, non-government organizations and principled conservative politicians. Policy sessions featured issues like democratic reform, the family, property rights, freedom of speech, national security and agriculture as well as activism training for grassroots conservatives. More than 50 conservative political organizations were invited. The Directions Family Panel included: Derek Roguski, Focus on the Family; Michael Coren, host of Michael Coren Live; and David Krayden, Concerned Christians Canada.