News briefs

Packer calls for Williams' resignation

Renowned author and theologian J.I. Packer has called upon Rowan Williams to resign from his post as Archbishop of Canterbury. After a lecture late last month in Eastbourne, UK, the Vancouver-based Packer was asked what he would say to Williams concerning the current worldwide Anglican schism. According to Religious Intelligence, Packer replied: "You are not qualified just at the moment to lead the Anglican Communion, for on this issue of whether or not people should yield to homosexual temptation, you are over a barrel . . . I would say with great respect, Archbishop, I believe that the way of wisdom is for you to resign." In related news, Bishop of Durham Tom Wright made several comments about Packer's involvement in the Anglican crisis, in a response to the orthodox GAFCON event.

EFC responds to Harper apology

Ray Aldred, chair of the Aboriginal Ministries Council of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, has drafted a detailed response to the 'Apology to Canada's Aboriginal Peoples,' which was offered on behalf of the Government of Canada by Prime Minister Stephen Harper last month. In it, Aldred stated: "We believe that good will come out of the apology issues by the Canadian people if we continue in the theme of the apology of repentance, forgiveness, reconciliation and healing."

Camp Fire for The Cry

Organizers of The Cry want all high school students with a passion for the gospel to help change the nation at Camp Fire August 17 - 24. The week-long camp, also sponsored by National House of Prayer, will train 35 high school students in intercessory prayer. The participants will then become a prayer team for The Cry Canada on August 23, serving both the gospel and the nation. The camp will take place at Jacques Cartier Park in Ottawa. Each Camp Fire applicant is asked to write a 250-word essay, or make a video, and send it to info@nhop.ca.

Ministry to Muslims

The Canadian Network of Ministries to Muslims is now available online. The organization's stated purpose is "to bring glory to God as we serve in reaching out to Muslims in Canada. We will network and/ or partner with others who share one or more of our emphases." Further, the network is described as "diverse people with a common goal of seeing all Muslims become disciples of Jesus -- not a uniform organization of sameness in ministry approaches . . . We believe the missional approach is to go to them, and not wait for them to enter our churches."

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Safe water for Kenya hospital

More than 18,000 patients and staff at Busia Hospital in Kenya will now have a safe clean water supply due to the generosity of Christian Blind Mission (CBM) supporters. The Busia Hospital water project was totally funded by CBM Canada and is the main water supply to the hospital. In the past, the regional hospital depended on rain water and supplies trucked in from unknown sources. At a recent ceremony, the completed water works project was officially commissioned by the Kenya Ministry of Health in trust for the people of Kenya as a gift from the supporters of CBM Canada.

Making the gospel a reality

Described as a "gospel reality show," Gospel's Dynamic Duets will be looking for Canadian talent this summer. Organizers state: "Over time, the Canadian music industry has been increasing its international influence . . . With increased music reality television shows such as Canadian Idol and Gospel Challenge, the Canadian music industry is finally getting the attention it deserves." The show, they hope, "will continue to bring attention to the Canadian music industry by showcasing some the best artists in Canadian Gospel -- as well as create a pathway for new talents as well." Auditions will be held in Halifax, Toronto and Vancouver, in August and September.

Economy size children's camp

This summer, the Scott Mission Camp is giving nearly 600 children from low-income families an opportunity to experience outdoor activities they might not otherwise encounter. Through six days of camp the 100-acre campground will host an abundance of activities and give the children a chance to learn important life and social skills -- while having fun -- at a mere fraction of the usual cost. The Scott Mission Camp has been running for 15 years. The first of this summer's series began July 7, accommodating more than 60 campers, from seven to 13 years old.

Retiring bishops

Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation of two Canadian bishops, both aged 75. Reverend Pierre-Andre Fournier was ordained priest in 1967 and in 2005 was appointed Auxillliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Quebec City by Pope John Paul II. He served some 143,640 Catholics, through more than 100 parishes and missions. Bishop Pierre Morissette was ordained priest in 1968, and in 1987 Pope John Paul II appointed him Auxillary of the Archdiocese of Quebec City. In 1990 he was ordained Bishop of Baie-Comeau. He served an estimated 407,065 Catholics in 39 parishes and missions.

July 10/2008