Please read the EFM Newsletter from Sewanee on their website: Newsletter EFM Sewanne

From the Director’s Corner

As I write this brief article for the newsletter, I am cheered by the interest shown in EFM by educators who see it as an important tool for ongoing theological education, and will keep you posted as to ongoing developments in this area. In my own reading, I have been perusing Alister McGrath’s book, “The Twilight of Atheism – The Rise and Fall of Disbelief in the Modern World”. McGrath traces the history of atheism from the Greek city-states and early Christianity, when it meant, not so much the denial of God, but rather the refusal to worship local civic deities or, in the case of Christians, the denial of the divinity of Caesar. He goes on to trace the rise of “intentional atheism” from the French Revolution onwards, and points out how atheism is as incapable of proof as the religious positions it criticises, and often as dogmatic and intolerant. He also notes how contemporary atheism derives from the loss of imagination and passion on the part of Christians.

EFM, it seems to me, derives much of its strength from its addressing of the issues McGrath raises, which is why so many of our students describe it as a life-changing experience. As the 2005-2006 year draws to a close, you might like to pick up a copy of McGrath’s book for summer reading. I suspect you will enjoy it, not only for its breadth and depth of scholarship, but for its lucid and accessible style.

I’m sure, too, that you’ll be pleased to hear that Patricia Bays has been named the General Editor of the forthcoming re-write of the EFM texts, which will incorporate many of the concerns you have raised.

Have a great summer, and keep in touch with us, so we can continue to respond to your insights and concerns. And thanks again to all our mentors, trainers, diocesan co-ordinators and students, who by your commitment and enthusiasm continue to make EFM such a vital tool for the renewal of the church. To that list I would add Sheila Mulgrew, whose devotion to the program keeps the national office humming with efficiency and care for all of us.

Blessings to you all.
Peter Davison

From the Executive Coordinator’s Desk

Thank you, Mentors and Students, we have had a very successful year due to your cooperation and enthusiasm. I am looking forward to receiving the re-enrollments for 2006–2007 by mid July.

Also, Thank you to all Coordinators and Trainers. There have been very successful Training Events due to your hard work. That is what is helping EFM grow in Canada!

Wishing all of you a wonderful and safe summer,
Sheila Mulgrew

OUR COLLECTIVE MINISTRY

Archbishop Stewart Payne

Archbishop Stewart Payne has graciously consented to be the Patron of the efm canada bursary fund. A long-time promoter of efm, he has filled the roles of mentor and trainer, and continues to be active in the efm network. We thank him for lending his name and his enthusiasm to this project. Thank you to those who have generously donated!

If you wish to donate to the fund, please make cheques or money orders payable to the Diocese of Kootenay (Memo: EFM-Canada Bursary Fund). Thanks to our diocesan office accounts manager, Official Income Tax Receipts will be issued for your donation.

REPORTS ON RECENT TRAINING EVENTS

January 27 - 28, 2006
Diocese of Montreal
Combined Training
Trainer: Patricia Bays
Coordinator: Tim Smart

Certified:
Basic Trainees: Bruce Alton, Jody Medkoff and Linda Taylor.

Re-Certified:
Trainees: Karen Chalk, William Passmore and Paul Tidman

Our congratulations and our thanks to these people, and to all who dedicate their time and talents to the mentoring and training functions of efm-canada.

GRADUATES OF THE EFM PROGRAMME AS OF MAY 2006

APCI
Judith E. BOLTON

Diocese of BRITISH COLUMBIA
Mary E. AITKEN, SSJD, Shirley E. FINLEY, Norah O. FISHER, Joan M. JOHNSON, Marcia L. MCMENAMIE, Louise G. MANSON, Patricia E. ORMEROD, Dorothea C. DICKSON, Barbara E. LAKE, Robert A. LAKE, D. Jean LINTON, Douglas S. MITCHELL, Dorothy H. REIMER, Sheila L. SMITH, D. Susan SMITH, Keith SUTCLIFFE, Mavis SUTCLIFFE, Judy ANTONELLI, Mary J. COOK, Janice E. HALSTEAD, Guy S. HOLMES, Margaret E. SHEA, Susanne E. VICKERY

Diocese of CALGARY
Marlys J. CARRUTHERS, Julienne A. HENDRICKSON

Diocese of EDMONTON
Marion N. ALLEN, Iris E. CAMPBELL, Peggy-Anne FIELD, Kay F. FORSYTH, Dorothy A. MITCHELL

Diocese of KEEWATIN
Bruce E. KELLY

Diocese of KOOTENAY
G. Allan RICHARDSON, Susan J. RICHARDSON, Susan E. SPILLER, Ruth M. DEAN, Sarah J. TURGEON-O'BRIEN

Diocese of MONTREAL
Rae E. PHILLIPS, Norma C. WAGNER

Diocese of NEW WESTMINSTER
Julie H. FERGUSON, Edward A. SAUDER, Maureen E. SIMONS, Janet W. WILLIAMSON, Melody GOGUEN, Carole Y. NEILSON, Linda J. DE MARCO, E. Ann HALL, Dianne L. SHARP, Kathleen M. DERKSEN, Sian R. OSBORNE, Kimberley E. PROKOPCHUK, Mentor

Diocese of NIAGARA
Leslie A. GERLOFS

Diocese of NOVA SCOTIA
Alice C. MACKAY

Diocese of OTTAWA
Florence E. CHEESMAN, Tara J. DAVIDSON, Sean M. DOHERTY, Ethel DUNSTAN, Edward J. DUNSTAN, Mary L. FALLS, Wendy L. FITZPATRICK, Carol G. KAUK, Wayne H. KAUK, Nancy A. KELLEY, Susan H. Perry, Sheldon G. CARR, Verbina GONSALVES, Graham A. JACQUES, Doug W. PETERS, William R. RUMBLE, Brenda M. WACHMANN, Constantin WACHMANN, Ankaret H. DEAN, Dave J. KEMP, Toni I. MORSE-SMITH, Shirley G. PATTERSON, Douglas G. RICHARDS, Mentor

Diocese of QU’APPELLE
Violet S. DETHRIDGE, Jean M. DREHER, Karen M. MCBRIDE, Eunice J. PATTERSON, Claudette G. RIDGWAY, Blair A. DIXON, Mentor

Diocese of RUPERT’S LAND
Cathie G. DREWE, Tammy D. MEADEN, Doreen C. BLACKMAN, Gilbert A. FREDERICK, Eulah V. MATHESON, Norma G. PITTMAN, Laura J. ROSE

Diocese of TORONTO
Marion J. DOROSH, Eva M. MARTIN, Judith A. PEARCE, A. Merle MILLIGAN, SSJD, L. Brenda RIVIERA

Diocese of WESTERN NEWFOUNDLAND
Minnie C. MORRIS, Eileen SANSFORD, Marguerite L. COOK, Lloyd E. SHEPPARD

Congratulations to all!