Over the last 12 years or so, it has been my privilege to attend the National Prayer Breakfast events in Ottawa. I’m thankful to our local and denominational leadership for their encouragement to attend. It has been formative in my appreciation for our country and development as a leader.
The Monday evening Leadership dinner had a record 1,100 people in attendance. Two MPs, shared about their testimony, their story of coming to faith in Jesus as adults. The highlight for the evening was hearing from a panel of new, veteran and retired MPs (Deborah Grey, John McKay, Elizabeth May, Arielle Kayabaga and Glenn Motz. They were vulnerable and authentic as talked about the challenges of living out their faith in politics. They also spoke of the significance of uniting together, across party lines based on a shared faith in Jesus.
Did you know that there is a Wednesday morning bible study held on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. MPs from all parties are invited to attend? When they gather each week, they leave their party colours and agendas at the door. They unite together in their understanding of God’s word and they pray for one another. Every Wednesday this happens.
The National Prayer Breakfast (this year's attendace was approx. 1600 people) is an outgrowth of that gathering. Each year that I have had the privilege of attending, the sitting Prime Minister has been there and reads a passage of Scripture and offers some thoughts. So too, does the leader of the opposition, and any other party leader or their designate in attendance. This year, there were 4 of the 5 national political parties, serving in House of Commons, represented.
Each year, I listen and I record every passage of Scripture that is read or prayed over. It informs the way that I pray for our nation and those whom God has called to serve. (I have left the list of references at the end of this blog if you want to do the same).
For instance, let me share with you some of what our Prime Minister shared, the whole event is available on Youtube:
Our Prime Minister spoke about the Generosity of God toward us, reflecting on Emmanuel, God With us. Generosity, he said, is one of the distinguishing features of Canadians. Canadians take care of each other.
"Generosity is a hallmark of Christian tradition, but that generosity is not an original act. We give because we have first received….charis precedes charisma; grace before the gift. Generosity is essential today, particularly: Time, attention and mercy. "
He then concluded with this: “It’s a life that recognizes that in pursuing virtue we help build it in ourselves and others. We expand it’s practice and give it life.”
What I heard the Prime Minister saying, is that we are free to bring the virtue or essence of the life of Jesus to the people around us. A Canada built upon the generosity of the character of God is a better Canada (interpretation is mine).
8 Time Grey Cup Champion, and CFL Legend, Mike "Pinball" Clemons was the keynote speaker on Tuesday morning. He summed these themes up well, when he shared the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37): "Good Samaritan didn’t think, “what would happen to me?”, he thought instead, “what’s going to happen to him?”"
Admittedly, all this might be hard or confusing for some to think about given the swirling opinions of many.
It's also worth noting that as we made our way into the Convention Hall on Monday night for the Leadership dinner, there was a vote that was taking place on the 2nd reading of Bill C-9. There was some tension in the air, but not as abrasive as the tension displayed online. By Wednesday afternoon, the Bill would pass 3rd reading and be moved to the Senate, where it will undergo more study before being returned to the House of Commons. This will likely start in mid-April. Therefore at this time, this Bill has not become law.
Certainly there has been some politicizing of this proposed legislation. The result has been a distinct lack of peace; which has led to a lack of listening; which has led to blaming and fear. It seems acceptable to deride and degrade those appointed to serve in the highest positions of our country – completing neglecting the providential sovereignty of God we claim to follow.
Are there some areas of concern with Bill C-9, in its current state? Yes there is. Should we be angry, essentially becoming the definition of what this legislation is being designed to deal with? Absolutely not.
Yes, we should continue to pray for our legislators. Yes, we should continue to voice our concerns through our MP. However, what we truly need to do, that many have neglected is to live lives of peace, reflective of the peace of Christ, extending that peace to others knowing that so many are in need of peace.
(I write this on the evening of Palm Sunday, the remembrance that Jesus came to bring a different kind of peace - a peace that doesn't attempt to switch roles between those who feel oppressed and those they blame as oppressors. Luke 19:28-44 - Jesus reveals a pathway to peace, that serves to unite rather than divide, that frees us to serve rather than blame - it's his way).
Later on Tuesday, I found myself in an invitation only meeting for denominational Christian ministry representatives where the discussion topic was religious liberty in Canada. It was hosted by Cardus and led by the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The short version is that while there are some concerns with the current wording of Bill C-9, there has been such an overwhelming opposition to this wording that the Senate may yet propose some changes. There have also, in the months prior to these most recent votes, been MPs of different political parties who have voiced hesitations.
Some key takeaways:
- In Canada, our definition of Religious Freedom (Charter of Rights) remains unchanged, no matter what happens to Bill C-9- this is important to keep in mind and something that is getting lost in the quick reactive world of social media.
- The intention behind C-9 is to strengthen the capacity to deal with the incitement toward hatred, in religious contexts. It is not the intent to punish the delivery of a sermon in the context of a gathering. Although, if the purpose of the message is incite hatred, then there is and should be no protection for such an act. .
Points for prayer:
- pray for the Senate in their deliberations noting the info above. It is possible that they will move this back to the House for revision.
- pray for the response of people of faith. One of the greatest hinderances in our times is ourselves, as people of faith. One Senator said this, "the greater danger now is self-inflicted. So many Christians have accepted and spread the "jail for Bible reading" narrative that unless that is corrected it will create a chilling effect."
- pray for the mobilization and gospel inspired movement of followers of Jesus. The capacity to fulfill the Great Commission is unhindered. Our collective group of denomination leaders and organization leaders, came away with three keys beyond the continued need to pray for and uphold those in authority over us:
- Strive to walk in unity as followers of Jesus, across denominational lines.
- Take a posture of learning from global brothers and sisters who have and do endure persecution - this should be part of our disciplemaking process.
- Be proactive in gracefully living out our faith in public spaces.
I left my time in Ottawa very thankful and encouraged, because our collective hope and desire is that as followers of Jesus, we would be people who learn to live our faith outside the walls of our church buildings, that we would be people who would learn from how God is at work in other countries, where persecution isn’t an inconvenience, but truly costly. And that we would learn to function in unity as brothers and sisters in Christ, across denominational lines.
I share those hopes.
Having written a book about the opportunity and need to extend the virtuous Spirit-inspired life in our communities, this was affirming. It was encouraging to know that, from some of the most influential people in our land, there is a need for this kind of approach.
It was inspiring, because the Lord has already been positioning us for this over many years, in the local and national contexts in which I am privileged to serve.
Here's a list of the Bible verses read, prayed about and referred to at the National Leadership Dinner and National Prayer Breakfast:
Matt. 28:19-20; Hebrews 12-:1-3; Hebrews 13:5 ; Rom. 8:28; 1 thess. 5:15-16; Rom. 13;1-7; Matt. 1:23; Matt. 5:14-16; Matt. 6:3; Josh. 1:5-9; Ps. 46:1-11; Ps. 23
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