News briefs

CRC director leads cross-country bike tour

Jerry Dykstra, executive director of the Christian Reformed Church in North America, and his wife Linda will ride a tandem in the Sea to Sea 2008 Bike Tour. This summer's tour follows on the heels of the CRC's 150th anniversary. It is also the second time that the denomination has mounted a tour such as this; more than 100 riders took part in the tour that crossed Canada in 2005. Riders hail from all over North America. Cynthia Aukema of Chatham, Ontario -- who says she watched, prayed for and followed the journey that crossed Canada in 2005 -- commented: "As a spectator it was thrilling to click on the blogs and follow the tour. I promised myself that if the opportunity ever came up again, I would love to experience firsthand the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of such a tour." Registration for the tour closes Jan 31.

Council of Churches critiques Manley Report

The Manley Report "has missed the opportunity to guide Canada towards a truly constructive role in securing a long term sustainable peace in Afghanistan," according to a statement issued by the Canadian Council of Churches (CCC). "We agree with the Manley Report when it states that this is a complicated situation, and that people of good will and high principles may disagree on how Canada may best proceed in Afghanistan. The Canadian Council of Churches together with Project Ploughshares looks forward to participating in the continued debate on these important issues with their member churches, in Parliament and among Canadians." CCC is the largest ecumenical body in Canada, representing 21 churches from the Anglican, Evangelical, Eastern and Oriental Orthodox, Protestant and Roman Catholic traditions.

Adventive appoints new director

John Haley has been appointed executive director of Adventive Cross Cultural Initiatives (ACCI) based in Nepean, Ontario. He replaces Anthony Hendrick, who is continuing as an ACCI missionary to Italy.

MissionFest Toronto engages youth

Thousands of young people from Canada and the U.S. are expected to gather March 8 at the Toronto Congress Centre for MissionFest Toronto's ENGAGE Youth Day. Speakers include Faytene Kryskow, Stuart Williams and Mobafa Baker, and music will be provided by worship artist Life Support, a modern alternative rock/worship ensemble from Nova Scotia. MissionFest Toronto takes place March 6 - 8.

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United Church, KAIROS call on Harper to help end Gaza siege

David Giuliano, moderator of the United Church of Canada, called on Prime Minister Stephen Harper to use the weight of his office, and the influence of Canada's strong relationship with Israel, to call on the Israeli government to end the siege of Gaza, in a letter sent Monday. He also expressed shock that on January 24, Canada was the only country that voted against a resolution calling for an end to the siege that was passed at a special session of the United Nations' Human Rights Council. KAIROS, a Christian organization that represents a wide range of churches and denominations, is also encouraging Christians to ask Harper to call for an end to the siege in Gaza, calling it "illegal collective punishment, an immoral act in violation of the basic human and natural laws as well as International Law."

Canadian Bible Society leader remembered

The Canadian Bible Society (CBS) is honouring Serge Rheaume, who was their director of French work for over 20 years before passing away November 16 at the age of 61. According to the CBS website, Rheaume "served in many leadership positions. He facilitated marketing and fundraising training courses, served various regional boards and committees locally within the CBS and globally within the UBS and was a member of the Board of the Catholic Bible Society. In his spare time, Rheaume volunteered regularly at hospitals in Toronto and Montreal."

Catholics reach out to First Nations

Phil Fontaine, national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, met with a group of Catholic bishops for the first time January 29 to discuss ongoing efforts toward healing and reconciliation with First Nations as part of the residential schools experience. The meeting, held in Ottawa, is the latest in a series initiated by Fontaine. In May 2004, he first met with a group of women religious leaders in Winnipeg to foster dialogue on healing and reconciliation with Catholic religious entities that were involved with the residential schools. Over the last two years, Fontaine has also met with Catholic women and men religious members and their leaders in Montreal and Ste-Hyacinthe, Quebec; Winnipeg, Manitoba; and Edmonton, Alberta.

Christian Child Care changes name

Christian Child Care, a Catholic sponsorship agency based in Springhill, Nova Scotia, has changed its name to Chalice. The organization founded 12 years ago helps its sponsors provide 36,000 children in 41 sites around the world with food, clothing and opportunities for education.

January 31/2008

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