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Religion institute first of its kind
Exploring the central role of religion in Canadian history and in the everyday lives of many Canadians has prompted a group of scholars from Trinity Western University to create the Religion in Canada Institute (RCI). The organization will serve as a nucleus for religious research and scholarly networking in Canada. The RCI is an interdisciplinary research centre and intellectual community of scholars committed to understanding the diverse role religion plays in Canadian lives, culture and social institutions. It will also engage in projects to help religious organizations in Canada conduct their activities knowledgably. The RCI hosts its inaugural workshop February 9.
NDP seeks church support to fight poverty
Poverty in Canada reveals an "unjust society, a sign of failure and a challenge to do better," said NDP leader Jack Layton in a letter to religious leaders in which he pledges his party will continue pushing for a national poverty-reduction strategy. "Fighting poverty is directly related to our commitment to creating opportunities for people and communities to prosper," said Layton to 21 Canadian Council of Churches leaders. Layton noted the NDP's newly-formed Faith and Social Justice Commission -- which has some NDP MPs and party members working from their faith traditions on issues such as poverty, the environment and peace-making.
CCCB asks Harper to help Iraqi Christians
In a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) is asking the Government of Canada to give special attention to the situation of Iraqi Christians wishing to leave their country because of threats and attacks. James Weisgerber, Archbishop of Winnipeg and president of the CCCB, noted that "since the events of 11 September 2001, it seems the emphasis has been on increasing security measures, and Canada has become less welcoming to those seeking asylum." Weisgerber noted that a number of Catholic dioceses have sponsorship agreements with the federal government and are ready to assist Iraqi refugees.
Kairos urges online budget activism
Kairos, a faith-based Canadian social justice coalition, is urging Christians to get actively involved in shaping Canada's next budget. The government has opened online consultations for the federal budget, offering individuals and organizations a chance to identify priorities for the 2008 budget. The deadline for participation is February 11. Kairos is especially asking Canadians to urge the government to implement a poverty reduction plan with targets and timelines.
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Development and Peace aiding Kenya
Development and Peace, the Canadian representative of the Caritas Internationalis confederation of Catholic aid agencies, is contributing $50,000 from its emergency fund to help Kenyans affected by a recent wave of violence. The worldwide Caritas appeal amount has been set at $2,665,000 to help those driven from their homes by the violence that has swept through Kenya after the December general election. Clashes across the country have seen people attacked, homes and businesses burnt down and property looted and destroyed. It is estimated over 650 people have been killed and thousands injured.
Shoeboxes on their way to needy kids
Once again, thousands of caring Canadians packed shoeboxes with toys, school supplies and hygiene items for Operation Christmas Child (OCC). The national effort saw 661,530 boxes collected across Canada for needy children around the world. In the next several weeks, children in Uruguay, Chile, Bolivia, Vietnam, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Guatemala will receive the shoeboxes. The national 2007 total was about 10 percent less than the 738,079 donated in 2006, largely because the box donation deadline was earlier than in previous years. OCC will work to streamline its operation in the 2008 campaign.
Comedy Tournament is back
Christian comedian Leland Klassen is teaming up once again with World Vision, Blessings Christian Marketplace, Tyndale College, Prairie Bible Institute and Your Music Zone to bring Canada's largest Christian comedy tour to various churches. As the tour traverses the country, local 'clean' comedians will be auditioned, to win the opportunity to open for Klassen's concerts -- and to appear on the next nationally distributed Comedy Tournament CD. The tour opens February 8 in Moncton, NB, and it ends March 28 in Ottawa.
Lutherans making overtures
The deadline for submitting 'overtures' to the 2008 Lutheran Church-Canada (LCC) convention is February 11. Overtures are recommendations in the form of proposed resolutions requesting action on the part of the convention. They may be submitted by a congregation, district convention or board of directors, an official pastors' and deacons' conference, faculty of an educational institution established by LCC, a board or commission of Synod or a circuit forum. The four convention Resolutions Committees will compile similar overtures, to present as a single resolution to the convention.
February 6/2008
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