Documents and Responses
The Canadian Interfaith Conversation's foundational document or Charter Vision was adopted in early 2013, and revised in 2016. It is also available in brochure format.
The Canadian Interfaith Conversation was pleased to develop the statement, "Standing Together Against Hate Based on Religious Identity" released on June 18, 2024. Over 50 Canadian faith-based organizations endorsed the document, committing themselves, and inviting the federal government to consider:
- the imperative for different faiths to work together to provide medical and humanitarian aid to victims of international conflicts;
- the need to create safety and security for all places of worship;
- a call for public authorities to protect people of all faiths from hate and violence.
The Canadian Interfaith Conversation was pleased to develop the statement, "On the Second Anniversary of the Pandemic: An Invitation to Solidarity,” released on March 9, 2022. Several Canadian faith-based organizations have endorsed the document, committing themselves, and inviting Canadians, “to pause, grieve for what we have lost, celebrate our moments of joy, and reflect on the path ahead,” on the 2nd anniversary of the Covid-19 Pandemic in Canada. Religious leaders and organizations can continue to endorse the document until March 18, 2022.
Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022 many faith communities made public statements condemning the aggressive action calling for peace and solidarity with all peoples impacted by the war. Please see sample statements:
Anglican Church of Canada
https://www.anglican.ca/news/praying-for-peace/30038601/
Archdiocese of Ottawa-Carlton (Roman Catholic)
Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities in Canada
https://stmikes.utoronto.ca/news/accuc-statement-on-russias-invasion-of-ukraine
Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops
https://www.cdsbeo.on.ca/canadian-conference-of-catholic-bishops-statement-on-ukraine/
Canadian Council of Churches
Statement (English): https://www.councilofchurches.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/ENG-Ukraine-General-Secretary-Feb-28-2022-FINAL.pdf
Statement (French) https://www.councilofchurches.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/FR.-Ukraine-General-Secretary-Feb-28-2022-FINAL.pdf
Resources: https://www.councilofchurches.ca/news/a-call-for-peace-in-ukraine/
Centre for Israeli and Jewish Affairs (Canada)
https://www.cija.ca/cija-stands-with-ukraine/
Manitoba Multi-Faith Council
Presbyterian Church in Canada
https://presbyterian.ca/2022/02/28/praying-for-ukraine/
Religions for Peace
Ukraine Catholic Bishops of Canada
The United Church of Canada
Statement: https://united-church.ca/news/statement-peace-ukraine
Resources: https://united-church.ca/news/concern-ukrainian-communities
The Canadian Interfaith Conversation was pleased to participate in the development of the statement, "Hope, Gratitude and Solidarity: A Message to Canadians from Religious Leaders in Canada in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic," released March 30, 2020. Together with over 80 leaders of religious communities, we pledged to "witness hope to each other and so become beacons of light during these uncertain times." Ici en français.
In the wake of January 29, 2017 attacks on the mosque in Quebec City, the Canadian Interfaith Conversation expresses "deepest grief with its Muslim brothers and sisters, and for all affected by this attack on a mosque—which is to say, all of Canada, and the world."
See our March 28, 2016 response to the Truth & Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action #48: Statement on the Importance of Truth and Reconciliation and the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The Canadian Interfaith Conversation emerged from the 2010 Canadian Interfaith Partnership, established when the G8 Leaders Summit met in Ontario in 2010. The Interfaith Partnership produced a statement that challenged G8 members to meet the “Millennium Development Goals” established by the United Nations.
The Canadian Interfaith Conversation responded to the Quebec government’s proposed “Quebec Charter of Values” (2013) with a statement regarding the positive contribution that faith communities can make in Canadian society.
In 2013 the Conversation applied successfully for a “Doha International Award for Interfaith Dialogue.” The application contains an overview of successful experience and best practices in interfaith dialogue.