VANCOUVER – With Canada's 2006 federal election only two weeks away, Christian organisations from across the nation are urging people to become involved, take action, and vote.

|TOP|Christians are being encouraged to get informed about party's and candidate's stances on such topics as traditional marriage, sanctity of life, drugs, family rights, and child protection in preparation for the upcoming election.

"An election provides Canadians with opportunities to advocate and take a stand for the values they hold dear," announces Focus on the Family Canada on their Today's Family News website.

The conservative Christian group also listed ways people can participate in the voting process such as praying, encouraging others to vote, volunteering at candidate offices and polling stations, as well as writing letters to newspapers regarding key issues of concern.

Focus on the Family Canada has included suggested questions individuals can propose to their riding candidate on each issue; questions such as, "What steps do you support to protect unborn children?" "Would you oppose the legalisation of assisting someone to die?" and "Would you support restoring the definition of marriage to be a lifelong union between a man and a woman?"

|AD|Meanwhile, a national prayer gathering in Ottawa sponsored by the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) is being scheduled to bring people together to focus on these nationally and provincially affecting topics.

"As a concerned believer in Jesus you are invited to join others who love the Lord to pray as we begin a new year asking the Lord's blessings, direction and protection for our nation," states the invitation for the event.

Titled, "God Keep Our Land: Eternal Flame Prayer Gathering," the gathering invites all concerned Canadians including pastors, intercessors, lay workers, and key national leaders.

Notable figures scheduled to participate are Ron Mainse, president of Crossroads Christian Communications, Inc.; Bruce Clemenger, president of EFC; and Rob Parker, leader of the National House of Prayer in Ottawa. The prayer participants will gather on Parliament Hill on Jan. 14.

"Your presence will make a difference," the invitation concludes.

The EFC also wrote in regards to the upcoming election, encouraging Christians to vote “wisely and prayerfully” and to pray for the election process and for candidates.

“It is a grueling process to run for public office," it stated.

The election will take place Monday, Jan. 23.







Jeff Skea
Christian Today Correspondent