Heretics, hypocrites and heroes
Top Ten ChristianWeek news stories of 1997
1 UCC leaders rebuff Christian orthodoxy
United Church of Canada moderator Bill Phipps made public statements which diminish the divinity of Jesus and deny the resurrection. Meanwhile, a theologically orthodox minister, Ted Wigglesworth, was arbitrarily removed from his pastorate and forced into a costly fight with church courts.
2 Christians oppose gambling
Churches in Alberta helped banish VLTs in several municipalities, but the halo was later tarnished by revelations that many faith groups accept gambling funds. Christians were also instrumental in galvanizing voters against gambling ventures in Ontario and B.C.
3 TWU wins court challenge
Trinity Western University successfully defended its right to expect students to uphold lifestyle standards consistent with Christian moral teaching. But the decision has been appealed.
4 The world comes to Abbotsford
Delegates from 93 countries experienced Christian hospitality at the World Evangelical Fellowship’s 10th general assembly, held in Abbotsford, B.C. in May.
5 Persecuted church gains visibility
From slavery in Sudan to pillaging in Pakistan, governments and media took notice as thousands of Christians prayed and new books documented the fact that Christians are being persecuted in many lands.
6 "Stealth attack"
Citing concerns about "the feminist seduction of the evangelical church," a World magazine article last March accused NIV Bible translators of producing a "gender-neutral" Bible. Many evangelical luminaries and institutions were drawn into the fray.
7 Alpha explodes across Canada
Apha, an evangelistic and discipleship outreach program developed in the U.K., is gaining acceptance in a wide range of churches across Canada.
8 Religious tension in Toronto
Mark Harding’s pamphlets and telephone messages outraged Muslims and landed the Christian activist in jail. The Jewish community was riled when a messianic congregation moved into the heart of a Jewish neighborhood.
9 Clergy housing deduction saga continues
After a ten-year legal struggle, former Bible college president Bill McRae lost his appeal to claim the clergy housing deduction from Revenue Canada. Another 72 cases will be heard next year.
10 Christian colleges struggle
Financial pressures and changes in student needs are causing continuing instability among institutions of Christian higher education.
– Selected by Debra Fieguth and Doug Koop
