Deep Dialogue

Welcome to the Deep Dialogue page, where Participants in the Conversation share their views on the importance and nature of interfaith dialogue and related issues, and also post news items. Deep Dialogue recognizes that we can do more together, and do so better, when we provide opportunity to talk about the things that have deepest meaning for us. We believe that our desires to contribute to the well-being of all people come from the place where our values and beliefs reside, not from a superficial desire to get along with others. When we are able to share those things that hold deep meaning for us, we not only promote better understanding but we are also able to better anticipate where and how we can work better together.

Guest blog posts are welcome (send requests to info@interfaithconversation.ca). Please note that views expressed in blog posts written by a Conversation Participant reflect their own views, not those of the Canadian Interfaith Conversation as a whole.

We take it for granted that we can freely and openly practice the diverse faiths that we represent in the Canadian Interfaith Conversation. One of the fundamental freedoms within the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is “freedom of religion.” For many of us, religion is not just something we do once a week when we might attend services in our various congregations. Religion is something much more essential to who we are.

If religion is to contribute to social well-being, it must have an active public role, but a culture of secularism seems intent on pushing religion out of the mainstream of public life.  The misuse and corruption of religion - too often headlined in the daily media – reinforces the arguments of those who wish to push religion aside.

However, the answer to the abuse and exploitation of religion runs in the opposite direction.  Religion needs to be brought ever more vigorously into public life if we are to combat the dangers of its misuse and misdirection. 

Our blog name, Deep Dialogue, reflects the nature of our interaction in the Canadian Interfaith Conversation.  We believe that people of any faith tradition or philosophical background can work together for the common good — and do so more effectively if they understand and respect their deep differences.

How is it that reflecting on our deep differences leads to greater, not less, harmony amongst us? Is it not more logical to ignore the differences and focus instead on the things we have in common?

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