Division continues. Biblically orthodox Canadian Anglicans are searching for a way forward following a controversial General Synod where delegates agreed to “affirm the integrity and sanctity of committed same-sex relationships.” Following the synod, more than 700 concerned Anglicans met to form two new organizations dedicated to supporting congregations opposed to same-sex blessings or in impaired communion with their own bishops. Meanwhile, Archbishop Michael Peers retired as Anglican Primate in February and delegates elected Andrew Hutchison, Archbishop of Montreal as the new Primate in May. On the international scene, leaders grappled with the Windsor Report, which outlined ways to address widespread disunity in the Communion.
Media on the move. Christian media experiences highs and lows as Listen Up TV, a longtime “100 Huntley Street” staple hosted by Lorna Dueck, went independent and Winnipeg-based Trinity Television laid off 20 per cent of its workforce early in the year to combat financial problems. By the end of the year, Rogers Communications bought out Trinity’s NOWTV station. Radio is booming—Canada’s oldest station, Newfoundland’s VOAR, celebrated 75 years on the air while Ottawa’s CHRI plans a second station for older listeners. On the web, Christianity.ca served the broader evangelical community while resonate.ca, a site dedicated to emergent church issues, went live mid-year.
Refugee concerns. Two well-publicized refugee cases come to happy conclusions after months of red tape. Nancy, a Christian facing persecution in Iran, was finally allowed to remain in Canada after numerous appeals. Benjamin Osei, a popular Toronto youth worker who was deported to Ghana in January, returned later in the year. Meanwhile, refugees claiming sanctuary in Canadian churches became a hot topic when Immigration Minister Judy Sgro said the practice should not be allowed and police arrested an Algerian hiding in a Montreal church. Numerous Christian organizations are lobbying the government to honour the practice of sanctuary and to reduce processing time for potential refugees.
Nitty-gritty detail stuff. The business of church life isn’t getting easier. Municipalities looking for ways to increase revenue are taking a hard look at the tax-free status of churches. The federal government is implementing changes to tighten up controls on charitable organizations. Churches are being encouraged to develop facility-use policies to protect them from potential charges of discrimination. The prospect of a union for Christian clergy took a big step forward. Toxic mould was a serious issue for at least one church.
Canada’s public life is increasingly secular. While voters in Nova Scotia narrowly rejected a proposal favouring wide-open Sunday shopping, the decision stands as a stark exception to the general rule. The passage of Bill C-250, the removal of holy books from citizenship ceremonies, fear-mongering over social conservative platforms in the federal election and the fracas over the definition of marriage are further indications of the demise of religious influences in society and public life.
Spirituality still strong. While approximately 15 per cent of Canadians now self-identify as atheist or agnostic, interest in spiritual matters remains high. Tremendous thronging to public lectures and exhibits of the Dead Sea Scrolls astounded administrators at the Canadian Museum of Civilization. Sociologist Reg Bibby finds evidence of regular church attendance increasing among teenagers and young adults and is trumpeting a “resurgence” of religion in Canada. And when traditional Jewish customs were pitted against condominium regulations, the Supreme Court favoured religious freedom. Their decision reflected a willingness to accommodate a diversity of religious practices.
Leading examples. Congregations across the country are finding innovative ways to share Jesus’ love with their neighbours. Highlights this year included River’s Edge Community Church and Renaissance in Montreal, Harvest Bible Chapel in Oakville, Ontario, Gateway Christian Life Centre in Mississauga and Harvest City Church in Regina, Saskatchewan. In Peterborough, Ontario, a group of churches banded together to form Church in the City and helped with flood cleanup, while several congregations across the country including Chartwell Baptist Church and The Meeting House, both in Oakville, continued to develop multi-site churches.
Notable passages. Both the Canadian Bible Society and Yonge Street Mission celebrated 100 years of ministry in Canada. • American theologian Carl F.H. Henry, the founding editor of Christianity Today, died at age 90 in December 2003. • Former Calgary Herald religion writer and founding director of the Centre for Faith and Media Gordon Legge went missing in February. His body was found four months later. • Cree elder Tommy Francis, 79, died in late January in Regina. Francis was a key figure in the founding of the Native Evangelical Fellowship. • Veteran InterVarsity Christian Fellowship worker and Order of Canada recipient Catherine Nicoll died at age 94. • Archbishop Edward Scott, a former Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, died in a car accident June 21. He was 85.
Selected and compiled by Harold Jantz, Kelly Rempel and Doug Koop.
