Focus on the Family, through its radio broadcasts and publishing efforts, attempts to help American evangelicals become more aware of public policy issues. With the recent formation of the Focus on the Family Association of Canada, the organization is exploring a similar role north of the border.
The Canadian affiliate of Focus on the Family will help identify and research issues in Canada that fall within the organization’s area of interest, said Canadian board member James Dobson Doug Sauer. The “Focus on the Family” radio program, hosted by psychologist and Christian author James Dobson, already is carried by 31 stations in Canada.
If there is sufficient interest, a separate track of radio programming could be developed to address Canadian public policy issues, said Focus on the Family vice-president Peb Jackson. One possible format would have Dobson interview Canadian Christian leaders about profamily issues.
A pilot program was broadcast on Canadian stations last year. On that program Dobson interviewed Gwen Landolt, president of Real Women of Canada, a group that promotes a traditionalist response to radical feminism. Sauer said the program received strong mail response.
Public policy issues addressed in Canada might differ from those highlighted in the United States, Jackson said. He stressed, however, that Canadian programming would fit the Focus on the Family objectives. Those objectives include emphases on the permanence of marriage; the bearing and raising of children; the right of every human to life, freedom, and fulfillment; and faith in Christ.
LLOYD MACKEYin Canada
