Quebec’s new ethics and religion curriculum stirs controversy
Churches and parents seek clarifications in official positions
Joel Coppieters
Quebec Correspondent
quebec@christianweek.org
MONTREAL, QC—Debate about the role of religion in Quebec’s schools centres around a new compulsory ethics and religion course slated for elementary and high school students in the fall of 2008.
In the past, Quebec parents have had trouble accepting an altered education landscape. After Roman Catholic and Protestant school boards were dismantled and re-organized along linguistic lines, religious education was gradually phased out.
Some are up in arms over the government’s new “imposition”—a curriculum focusing on neutral ethical principles and overviews of the world’s major religions. The courses include fringe groups like the Quebecois Raeliens and their UFO-based theology.
EFC partners with Global Day of Prayer
The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) will partner with Global Day of Prayer (GDOP) this May, says director of national initiatives, David Macfarlane.
Last year, 7,500 people gathered at the Air Canada centre in Toronto while hundreds of millions worldwide joined in prayer.
At the same time, the EFC organized Celebration 2006, described as a catalyst to “spark a spiritual renewal across Canada,” encouraging communication across denominational boundaries.
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Bill C-38 film prompts deeper thinking on marriage
An Alberta filmmaker who felt there was a very strong push to sway the public in one direction during the same-sex marriage debate has created a feature-length film to give voice to unheard opinions.
C-38: The Search for Marriage is a 77-minute exploration of marriage and same-sex issues, featuring on-the-street interviews and responses to pointed, thought-provoking questions.
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available in our PRINT EDITION
Ex-Alliance pastor faces $10M in fraud charges
The British Columbia Securities Commission (BCSC) has accused an ordained former pastor of scamming $14 million from people in Canada and the United States who bought into two allegedly fraudulent schemes.
If convicted on all charges, Brian Anderson, 61, could be assessed as much as $10 million in fines and be barred for life from participating in capital markets.
Full story in our print edition >
Canadian Anglicans could move apart this June
The Anglican Church of Canada (ACC) could be just one vote away from choosing to “walk apart” from the global Anglican Communion rather than compromise its liberal views on human sexuality.
In June, 300 delegates to the Church’s general synod in Winnipeg will vote on a series of resolutions, including one deferred from the previous synod in 2004 to let individual dioceses decide whether or not to permit marriage-like blessings for same-sex couples. It will need a 60 per cent majority to pass.
Full story in our print edition >
Canadian Christian radio expands
Christian talk radio expands this month with two new current affairs programs: one from the Evangelical Felowship of Canada (EFC) and another from the Equipping Christians for the Public Square Centre (ECP). Also, a community-based Christian radio station—owned and operated by United Christian Broadcasters (UCB) Canada—will begin broadcasting in Chatham, Ontario late April.
Full story in our print edition >
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