The world as evangelicals see it

The International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention has released the 2009 version of its Global Status of Evangelical Christianity map. The map illustrates the progress of the gospel among the world's more than 11,600 people groups. The map suggests Canada is far less evangelized than many other countries.

Ottawa as the churches see it

The Canadian Council of Churches (CCC) organized 'Churches' Week in Ottawa' May 11 - 15. On Tuesday, the CCC's Commission on Justice and Peace hosted a 'Forum on Faith and a Sustainable Economy: Reflections on Hope and Transformation.' The event, held in the Parliament buildings, was attended by Members of Parliament and the Senate, representatives from various Christian and other faith traditions, and leaders of social justice organizations. The day included a lunch co-hosted by the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. On Wednesday, the CCC's Governing Board hosted a 'Forum on Faith and the Public Square: What Difference Do Churches Make?' in St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, with Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff speaking. On Thursday evening, the Roman Catholic Church hosted an "Ecumenical Prayer Service for Peace" in Notre-Dame Cathedral. On Thursday and Friday, delegations from the CCC's Governing Board met with senior leaders of all political parties to build relationships; raise concerns regarding human trafficking in Canada; and urge Canada to increase its contribution to achieving the Millennium Development Goals.

Calgary as the street church sees it

Street Church in Calgary hosted 'festivals' on the front steps of City Hall, April 26 and 29. The events attracted about 3,000 people as the ministry provided free food and socks to the poor and homeless and presented the gospel through music and preaching. City security forces videotaped the event, but no arrests were made. For the last several years, the church has been in a battle with Calgary city authorities over its ministry on city streets and in city parks. Members of the ministry have received over 70 tickets for infractions such as giving away goods and services, gathering a crowd, operating a barbecue, placing material on the ground and emitting objectionable noise (for using sound equipment). The City says it is just trying to enforce its bylaws, while Centre Church lead pastor Artur Pawlowski insists the City is trying to restrict freedom of speech. The public action group Concerned Christians Canada is supporting the church.

They're not staying in tents . . .

The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem is organizing its 30th annual 'Christian Celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles' event October 2 - 8. The Canadian Deluxe Tour departs from Toronto September 28. The event begins with a worship concert at the Ein Gedi spa along the shores of the Dead Sea with musical guest Paul Wibur. It then moves to Jerusalem for a week of worship, prophetic teaching and opportunities to express love and support for the people of Israel.

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. . . but they are

The Canadian Roman Catholic relief agency Development and Peace has contributed $600,000 for emergency food, medical aid, school supplies and trauma counseling for some of the 170,000 Sri Lankan Tamils who have left the conflicted province of Vanni in northern Sri Lanka to settle in government-run camps. A longstanding war between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam flared in January when government forces seized the northern town of Kilinochchi, the Tamil Tigers' headquarters. Hundreds of thousands of civilians have been caught in the crossfire, and the United Nations estimates that 6,500 civilians have been killed since January.

He's going back to church

Former Saskatchewan Premier Lorne Calvert has accepted a five-year term as principal of the United Church's St. Andrew's Theological College in Saskatoon, effective July 1. He graduated from St. Andrew's in the mid-1970s and pastored United churches in Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan, and Moose Jaw before entering politics in 1986. He served as premier for six years until his NDP government was defeated in 2007. The party is scheduled to choose a new leader in June.

Theology professors of the world unite

The 10 professors at Queen's Theological College in Kingston, Ontario have voted to join the Queen's University Faculty Association. They are thought to be the first theological faculty in North America to be unionized. College President Jean Stairs commented that she supports the faculty's right to organize and that the College is more "closely entwined" with a university than other theological colleges are.

Free the people from trade

Kairos: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives, along with Mennonite Central Committee, is urging Canadians to lobby Parliament to vote against Bill C-23. The bill, which passed first reading in the House of Commons March 26, would implement free trade between Canada and Colombia. Kairos argues that the agreement will exacerbate human rights abuses by the Colombian government and will benefit Canadian mining and other companies operating in Colombia at the expense of the environment and Colombian workers.

Could you not pray for 10 days?

Millions of Christians around the world will be meeting in small groups to participate in the 10 Days of Prayer initiative of the Global Day of Prayer movement. The initiative begins on Ascension Day, May 21, and continues until May 30, the day before the Global Day of Prayer on Pentecost Sunday. A prayer guide for the ten days is available in 50 languages, including versions for children and teens.

May 14/2009