Marriage redefined
A prickly political season came to a close July 20 when the Supreme Court granted full legal status to Bill C-38, redefining “marriage” to include same-sex couples. Christian and socially conservative groups worked long and hard in the months previous to preserve the historic definition, organizing letter-writing campaigns, conferences and rallies. Though disappointed with the bill’s passage, they vow to continue their work to preserve marriage as between one man and one woman for life.
Christians celebrate
For three weeks in May and June thousands of Christians throughout Canada combined their efforts to demonstrate the love of God to their communities. Spearheaded by the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, Celebration 2005 included national prayer initiatives, concerts, community events and a nationally televised finale. Meanwhile, Saskatchewan celebrated its provincial centennial—and 100 years of Christian influence and witness. Christians also gathered in Quebec City in July to seek and celebrate reconciliation between French, English and Native Canadians.
Papal passage
Millions mourned the death of Pope John Paul II on April 2. Beloved by Catholics and highly regarded by Protestants and other faith leaders, the Pope was remembered for championing peace and justice in many arenas and for initiating World Youth Day, an event that has brought millions of youth together to be spiritually challenged. John Paul II’s successor, Benedict XVI, was installed as the head of the Roman Catholic Church on April 24.
Wind and water
Relief agencies were stretched to the maximum and communities around the world were in chaos after a season of hurricanes, earthquakes and floods. Although enormous support poured in for victims of the tsunami in Southeast Asia at the beginning of the year, Canadians kept on giving as disaster after disaster struck around the world, including Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, flooding in Guatemala and a massive earthquake in India and Pakistan.
Antipoverty promoted
Advocates for the poor and homeless continued their push to keep the issue on the public radar. The mega Make Poverty History concert “Live 8: The Long Walk to Justice” hit stages around the world July 2, just prior to a meeting of world leaders in Scotland. Proponents of the Micah Challenge continued to encourage Christians to step up to the plate in the fight against poverty. Around the country numerous ministries served on behalf of the poor and homeless. Pat Nixon of the Calgary-based Mustard Seed Street Ministry received the Order of Canada.
Anglican communion breaking
Troubles continue for the Anglican Church. Early in the year the Anglican Church of Canada and the Episcopal Church in the United States were asked to voluntarily withdraw from a consultative council because of their liberal positions on homosexuality. In July the council voted to suspend the two bodies in a move that could become permanent should Canada and the U.S. not reconsider their positions. Meanwhile, orthodox Anglicans in the Diocese of New Westminster further separated themselves from Bishop Michael Ingham, whose leadership they do not recognize because of his support for same-sex blessings. They eventually gave in to eviction demands and vacated church property to meet elsewhere. Freedom of speech and assembly became an issue when some dioceses banned material published and promoted by theologically conservative Anglican groups.
Tragedy shines
The vibrant Christian witness of Peter Schiemann made headlines and national telecasts after the young RCMP officer was killed along with three other police officers during an investigation gone bad in Mayerthorpe, Alberta. The killer, who also died, was known to police and had a lengthy criminal record. Schiemann’s father Don, a Lutheran pastor, is now championing a “Referendum of Light” initiative along with the families of the other slain officers. It calls for the creation of a national drug strategy and a review of the legal system.
Resources galore
A plethora of conferences, conventions and new ministry opportunities offered something for everyone this year. Thousands of leaders gathered for Willow Creek’s annual leadership summit, while hundreds more took in a biennial church planting congress. Several denominations are celebrating church planting successes, while some individual congregations are focusing on “church outside the box” to reach people disillusioned by traditional methods.
Death of a theologian
Friends, family and colleagues from around the world mourned the sudden death of Vancouver author and theologian Stanley J. Grenz who died on March 12 after suffering a massive brain hemorrhage. He is remembered as a scholar who “radically engaged the struggles of seekers after truth,” particularly in postmodern and emergent church contexts, and for contributing a credible biblical witness in those areas. Grenz was a professor of theology at Carey Theological College and the author or co-author of 25 books.
AIDS awareness growing
A major conference hosted by Health Partners International, “AIDS in Africa: Engaging Canadians,” brought the plight of those suffering from the disease into the spotlight in May. Experts from Africa, Canada and the U.S. gathered to discuss how Canadians could get involved. Meanwhile, a multimedia dinner theatre production designed by Christian producer, director and writer Reg Parks toured across Canada. “Little One” discussed the African AIDS crisis from the perspective of a young girl dealing with the disease and raised funds for Seeds International.
- Compiled by Doug Koop and Kelly Rempel
