Who Are We?
The purpose of the Canadian Friends of the École Biblique (CFEB) is to advance the academic study of religion by offering scholarships to Canadian graduate-level students and academics to study and do research at the distinguished École Biblique et Archéologique Française in Jerusalem.
When funds are available, the CFEB also contributes to library acquisitions and IT enhancement, teaching, and other academic projects at the École Biblique.
The CFEB is a registered charity under federal statutes in Canada, a status that allows us to provide funds that will enhance Canadian academic life to an approved education institution outside the country.
History of the CFEB
The CFEB was established by Dr. William Klassen, a Canadian professor of New Testament, in 1995. In its early years, it raised money for a major renovation, expansion and modernization of the century-old library of the École Biblique.
When this project was completed in 2001, the Canadian Friends redirected their fundraising priorities to providing the opportunity for Canadian graduate students and professors to study and conduct research at the École Biblique.
In 2014, the Quebec section of Alumni and Friends of the Ecole Biblique (established by Prof. Guy Couturier in 1975) merged with the CFEB.
Since 2003, the CFEB has granted more than 30 scholarship awards totaling more than $155,000. Other projects have been undertaken as funds permit (see CFEB PROJECTS).
News
In Memoriam: Edward J.R. Jackman, 1940-2021
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dear colleague and friend, the Rev. Edward J.R. Jackman, on June 18, 2021. “Father Ed,” as he was known to many, was a founding member of the CFEB/ACEB, serving as Secretary-Treasurer from our first Board meeting in 1996 to the present. His leadership and generosity were a gift and guiding light. May he rest in peace.
Find Father Ed’s obituary here.
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Our president, Dr Michael Higgins, began a two-year term as Interim President and Vice-Chancellor of Corpus Christi College and St. Mark’s College in Vancouver, BC on July 15, 2020.
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Congratulations to CFEB Board member Dr Peter Warrian on his recent appointment to the Order of Canada!
Our Board
The CFEB Board consists of scholars and non-scholars, Protestant as well as Catholic. The board meets three to four times a year.
Michael W. Higgins
President, Author, biographer and Interim President and Vice-Chancellor, Corpus Christi College and St. Mark's College, Vancouver, BC
Michael W. Higgins
President, Author, biographer and Interim President and Vice-Chancellor, Corpus Christi College and St. Mark's College, Vancouver, BC
Dona Harvey
Vice-President, Retired journalist and editor, Waterloo, ON
Dona Harvey
Vice-President, Retired journalist and editor, Waterloo, ON
Edward Jackman
Secretary-Treasurer, Priest, historian, philanthropist, Kleinburg, ON.
Deceased — June 18, 2021
Edward Jackman
Secretary-Treasurer, Priest, historian, philanthropist, Kleinburg, ON.Deceased — June 18, 2021
Eleanor Clitheroe
Anglican priest and Military Chaplain, St. Catharines, ON
Eleanor Clitheroe
Anglican priest and Military Chaplain, St. Catharines, ON 
Sandra Demson
Retired family lawyer and Presbyterian elder, Toronto, ON
Sandra Demson
Retired family lawyer and Presbyterian elder, Toronto, ON 
Jean Duhaime
Emeritus professor of Biblical Interpretation, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC
Jean Duhaime
Emeritus professor of Biblical Interpretation, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC
Marie de Lovinfosse
Professor of Biblical Studies, Institut de formation théologique de Montréal, Montréal, QC
Marie de Lovinfosse
Professor of Biblical Studies, Institut de formation théologique de Montréal, Montréal, QC
Eileen Schuller
Past President, Professor Emerita of Religious Studies, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON
Eileen Schuller
Past President, Professor Emerita of Religious Studies, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON
Hervé Tremblay
Dean ad interim of the Theology Faculty, Dominican University College (Collège universitaire dominicain), Ottawa
Hervé Tremblay
Dean ad interim of the Theology Faculty, Dominican University College (Collège universitaire dominicain), Ottawa
Peter Warrian
Senior Research Fellow, Comparative Program on Health and Society, Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto
Peter Warrian
Senior Research Fellow, Comparative Program on Health and Society, Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto
Murray Watson
Adult Faith Animator, Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board
Murray Watson
Adult Faith Animator, Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board
Administrator
Tim Hegedus
351 Pastern Trail, Waterloo, ON, N2K 4E1 email: cfeb.aceb@gmail.com
Former board members include:
Michel Gourgues, OP, Faculty of Theology, Dominican University College Ottawa, ON, guest teacher at École Biblique, Jerusalem
Glenn Byer, Editor
Lorraine Caza, CND, professor and former superior general of the Congregation of Notre Dame
R.P. Guy Couturier, CSC, President Emeritus, retired professor, l’Université de Montréal*
Chris Foley, Professor, University of Saskatchewan
Tim Hegedus, Retired Professor, Waterloo Lutheran Seminary
Philippe LeBlanc, OP, Founding Vice-President, international human rights worker, Toronto*
Jean-Jacques Robillard, OP, Founding President, former prior in Jerusalem and provincial of the Canadian Dominican Province
Joseph Sinasac, publishing director of Novalis, Toronto
*We are sad to report that Fr. Guy Couturier passed away on May 9, 2017, Fr. Philippe LeBlanc on December 30, 2017, and Bill Klassen on January 29, 2019. We miss these dear friends and colleagues, and deeply appreciate their years of dedication to the Canadian Friends.
Founding Director
William Klassen, Retired professor of New Testament, Principal Emeritus of St. Paul’s University College, University of Waterloo*