Among the participants were leaders from a variety of faith traditions: Christian (Catholic, Orthodox, Evangelical, Focolare Movement, United Church), Muslim, Hindu, Ahmadiyya, Baha’i, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Unificationists.
Reflections were propelled by four speakers:
- Rev. Rosemary Lambie, Interim Minister of Mount Royal United Church, retired Executive Minister of Regional Councils in Quebec and Eastern Ontario, through her deeply felt, colorful presentation based on a life devoted to hers and others communities and through her songs, called very gently but also very clearly for commitment, unity, and shared love among communities of faith and toward others.
- Ms. Hanan Masuod, founding president of Together to Protect Our Children, began by emphasizing that faith traditions share common values. She pointed out, however, that although Canada is recognized as a land of freedom, believers feel insecure in the face of a secular government that challenges faith and religious values.
- Mr. Franco Famularo, president of UPF Canada, states that freedom of religion, even in countries that proclaim themselves to be free, is under threat. His message is a call to cooperate beyond our differences and strengthen freedom of belief for all. His argument was based on the following points:
- Freedom of belief is a universal right.
- Interfaith harmony is essential to true freedom of belief
- Diversity is a strength, not a threat
- Freedom applies to individuals as well as communities
- Engaging in dialogue prevents abuse and promotes accountability
- Most religious traditions support freedom of belief.
- Ms. Sherry Marceil joined the panel from Vancouver: Member of the Board of Directors of Canadian Interfaith Dialogue, involved in the British Columbia Interfaith Summit Council, and Chair of the British Columbia Interfaith Women’s Council. Reinforcing the points already discussed, she reiterated the importance of interfaith dialogue and its contribution to society as a whole.
Q & A flowed and the speakers fielded questions from across the country. Alan Wilding, director of UPF activities in Western Canada, expressed confidence in UPF Canada’s ability to be a significant leader in the field of interfaith relations in this country.
The speakers as well as many of those present are already actively engaged in interfaith dialogue. It is clear that the current approach goes beyond the conceptual, and that UPF is a key player in this development. The meeting exuded a very convivial atmosphere. The networking period allowed people to exchange contact details and invite one another to collaborate on each other’s projects. The network is indeed growing stronger.
A palpable sense of hope is building in the realm of interfaith action as promoted by the UN with this year’s theme: “Harmony: We All Have a Role to Play”.
Here are the conference video:
Video without interpretation :
Video with interpretation in English :
Video with interpretation in French :