The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) and Christian Higher Education Canada (CHEC) are co-intervening in the joint Supreme Court of Canada hearings of Trinity Western University v. Law Society of Upper Canada and Trinity Western University v. The Law Society of British Columbia Society, being held today and tomorrow. They will argue that the refusal of these law societies to accredit TWU’s proposed law school violates TWU’s religious freedom.
WireService.ca Media Release (11/30/2017) Ottawa, ON - The EFC and CHEC will argue that:
“Christian institutions are usually founded on statements of faith and codes of conduct,” says EFC President Bruce Clemenger. “They are essential parts of their identity, the codes are consistent with Canadian law and should be respected in a free and democratic society.”
“No one is disputing TWU’s ability to provide an excellent law school education and produce graduates who will serve Canadians well,” says Clemenger. “Acceditation should not be withheld because some members of a law society do not like TWU’s covenant or their religious beliefs. Government agencies are to neither favor nor hinder religious beliefs.”
“Religious institutions make significant contributions to the public good in Canada and are an important part of the Canadian mosaic,” says Justin Cooper, Executive Director of CHEC. “An essential element of living in a free, diverse and plural society is the affirmation of religious freedom and the ability of religious communities to contribute meaningfully to the broader society. TWU has been doing this for decades.”
The EFC intervened in this case along with Christian Higher Education Canada (CHEC), an association of Christian higher education institutions. TWU is an affiliate of the EFC and a member of CHEC.
Background on these cases:
For additional resources on the EFC-CHEC intervention in TWU v. LSUC and TWU v. LSBC, including written legal arguments, visit www.theEFC.ca/TWUlaw.
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For additional information or an interview, please contact:
Rick Hiemstra, Director of Media Relations
The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada
MediaRelations@theEFC.ca
613-233-9868 x332