PROCEEDINGS - MUSKOKA IV

Presentation to Pat O'Brien, former Executive Director, Vote Marriage Canada, in recognition of his contributions to the cause. Pat was recognized at the January 17 Banquet, by Randy Collins, Chair, Pro Family Network.










Thursday, January 18, 2007


For a Powerpoint Summary of the Keynote Address presented by D. Rogusky, Focus on the Family, at our Banquet, please contact us by clicking here, to request the CD. Please type Powerpoint Muskoka IV, in the subject line.

MUSKOKA IV PROCEEDINGS

• DEVOTIONAL – Jim Hughes, Campaign Life Coalition

Luke 19:41-44
When the city came into view, he wept over it. "If you had only recognized this day, and everything that was good for you! But now it's too late. In the days ahead your enemies are going to bring up their heavy artillery and surround you, pressing in from every side. They'll smash you and your babies on the pavement. Not one stone will be left intact. All this because you didn't recognize and welcome God's personal visit."

• Introduction and Welcome
  
  



• Overview of Muskoka Summits and Progress – Randy Collins, Chair, Pro Family Network

Presentation of Goals arising from Muskoka Summit Meetings.

Presentation on Prayer Initiative: Rev Joe Campbell, Stand On Guard Prayer Network
This group is growing geographically and by number. To join the “Stand on Guard” Prayer Network, contact Rev. Joe Campbell, or Shirley Hildebrand ebox@mts.net

Presentation on Youth Movement: Jack, Gisele and Olivia Baribeau
There was a presentation on a Camp “Christian Youth Worldview and Leadership Conference”, that held its first gathering in 2006. The purpose of CYWAL is to reverse the current trend where “twenty somethings” leave the Church. Contact information is available at http://www.cywal.org/. This is a new concept, designed to equip and energize Christian youth, to meet the challenges in the world in which they live.

Presentation on the Rights of a Child: Louis DeSerres, Preserve Marriage

Reference was made to the Parliamentary debate on Marriage. During that debate, the rights of the child were mentioned several times. This perspective was introduced and promoted by Preserve Marriage, and arises from the study on the Rights of the Child in France. Framing this issue will be beneficial to the preservation of the traditional family, because it establishes the connection between societal behavior and the consequences arising.

Presentation on the Declaration on Marriage: Derek Miedema, Evangelical Fellowship of Canada

This national project was very successful. It brought those of diverse faith and backgrounds together in a historical precedent.

Presentation on the Institute of Marriage and Family Canada: Derek Rogusky, Focus on the Family

A Report, entitled “ The Revolution in Parenthood” was presented. This Report addresses the “Emerging Global Clash” between Adult Rights and Childrens Needs. This Report was distributed to the Members of Parliament. It is available on the Focus on the Family website, http://www.imfcanada.org/

• Presentation on the “Marriage Vote”: Pat O’Brien, Vote Marriage Canada

Discussion on what worked and what did not. There was a review of the political process, the nuances of the voting process, the positions of the political parties. It would have been appropriate to hold hearings on the Marriage issue. The best way to influence the outcome of any election is be non partisan and to vote on the issues. Demographics are excellent measures of predictability. Candidate focused voting will be encouraged. Families should become involved in politics.

• Lessons Learned from the Marriage Debate: Ted Wernham , Pro Family Network
  

Perserverance needed
Long term view essential
It is not over
Need to be educated about implications
Don’t assume Government will do anything.
Examine values and communicate
Greater cohesiveness necessary
Get supporting candidates nominated
We started too late
Be more politically astute
Important to be pro active rather than reactive.
Anticipate the worst and plan for the best
We need to form opinion rather than read the decision
Issues strengthen the network (opportunity vs defeat)

• Challenges of the Immediate Future: Jim Hughes, Campaign Life Coalition

Attempt to educate – vote for people of principle
Help keep politicians accountable
It is time to fight back, be joyful, don’t quit, mentor youth.
Share with others, our successes
We need people on the ground. Get out the Vote!
DO NOT UNDER ESTIMATE GRASS ROOTS INFLUENCE
Demand a Federal Commission on Marriage and the Family.
Must think of ways to communicate effectively.
Encourage and thank supportive politicians.
We must find ways to work together
Challenge is no longer knowledge, it is to simplify the message. How do we communicate differently?
Establish a Centre for Moral Clarity
Major Strength is our Faith
Use the Courts proactively
Knights of Columbus involved in last federal election more than ever before

ISSUES:

gay clubs in schools
euthanasia
language of controversial issues is being cleansed or neutralized.
Challenge “dying with dignity”
School curriculums
Courts are making more change to society than Parliament
Gay lobby vs Christian activist
Church and State should never be separated. Through “Salt and Light,” the public will be educated about getting involved. Letters were sent to all those MPs supporting traditional marriage.
Key Leadership team in every Riding across the Country needs to be established.
Discussion on those bureaucrats in high office that we can trust.

• Long Term Future, Key Issues and Questions: Phil Horgan, Catholic Civil Rights League

A presentation on some scenarios for contemplation.
Concerns
Appointments in the judiciary
Age of consent
Hate crime legislation
Charitable status challenges
Stem Cell research
Public funding for private abortion clinics
Denominational funding and legal rights
Transgendered issues
Structure of voting (proportional representation)
What structure will future media services take?
Recognize demographic Strategic initiatives
Notes:
Internet is taking the place of mainstream media
Important to support large families

• Equipping Canadians to Meet the Future: Randy Collins, Pro Family Network

Discussion on the timing of the next Election

Overview of the Mainse Tour “Salt Tour”. Dates of visits to Canadian Cities are available on request from drutledge@crossroads.ca.

Discussion of a Riding Review Committee that could overview candidates in various Ridings
THREE STRATEGIC INITIATIVES
Educate
Communicate
Speculate
What will our country look like in 18 years (only 216 months).
There are two key areas POLITICAL and ECONOMIC.
We must remain non partisan.





.