What's New - Fall 2005

Canadian Parliamentarians Visit RACU Campus

It has been a while since RACU’s chapel room was as full as it was on the 10th of November. Students and faculty crowded outside of the room, because every seat was occupied. Four special guests visited RACU’s campus that day: Reed Elley, former Member of Parliament (1997-2004), Gerry Sherman, Director of the Christian Embassy of Canada, Wayne Webster, president of Princess Towers Inc., a Canadian real estate company, and Rick Schneider, a visiting professor from Yale University.

It was a very interesting meeting for several reasons. First of all, the idea of Christians participating in business and politics is new in Russia. In contrast, Christianity in Canada has penetrated into all spheres of life, and politics is no exception. For years, Christians in Russia have stayed aloof from the political process, and that is why this opportunity was so special for RACU students.

Reed Elley shared his life story. Mr. Elley grew up on a farm; before entering politics, he pastored several churches, three in the west, the last of which was First Baptist of Nanaimo, which had a congregation of 700 members. The Elleys, Reed and Louise, have eight children, four of whom were adopted through the foster parenting they have done for nearly three decades. Mr. Elley sensed his call to ministry before he met Louise, when both were students at McMaster University. He completed his M.Div. at McMaster Divinity College. Later on, he was approached to be one of five Reform nominees in Nanaimo-Cowichan, eventually taking the nomination on the third ballot. He won by 10,000 votes in 1997, a margin almost doubled in 2002. During his address at RACU, Mr. Elley stressed that Christians have to be ready to serve God in different spheres of life. Christians must influence their country and for this reason should keep the highest standard of integrity.

The students asked a lot of interesting questions. For example, one student wondered what it means specifically to be a Christian businessman or politician. Our guests emphasized that it is possible to fully participate in their chosen profession and live according to God's principles at the same time.

Another student asked Mr. Elley if he always followed Christian principles, even when these principles contradict the majority’s opinion. Mr. Elley shared a personal example: During his time in Parliament, a law supporting same-sex marriages came up for a vote. Mr. Elley's party supported this proposal, but Mr. Elley, as a Christian, did not. Understanding that it could cost him his career, he held to his principles and voted against the proposed legislation. Miraculously, his colleges properly understood his motives. The law was defeated at that time.

Our guests commented that the Russian soul has survived in spite of a harsh history. Today, Christians who are leaders in life and faith will help to protect the country from moral decay. Reed Elley concluded our meeting with the following words: “Only Christian leaders will be able to fulfill God’s plan for this country.”

All four guests left kind notes in the RACU guest book. Mr. Elley wrote: “I am greatly encouraged by the work God is doing through RACU. You are training a new generation of Christian leaders who will touch the soul of Russia. May God give you grace and wisdom in your task.”