One of the great gifts of the pandemic for me has been to witness the resilience and vitality of our leaders and our communities of faith. Another important gift has been the revelation that the government still sees the church as important in our society. This is the invitation extended to myself, and details of the event are on the Canadian Council of Churches website (click to view):
When confronting the challenges and pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic,
faith leaders and communities have played an important role
in fostering hope and resilience across Canada.
The Canadian Council of Churches, the Canadian Interfaith Conversation,
and the Canadian Multifaith Federation
are pleased to invite you to attend a virtual conversation with faith leaders on
“The Contribution of Faith Communities in a Pandemic”
with special guest,
the Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Thursday, December 3, 2020
from 12:45PM to 2:00PM EST
There have been regular gatherings and consultations with the provincial premiers and health officers. When we have had questions, we have had timely and personal responses. In Chinook Winds, Dr. Deena Hinshaw sent a representative to present at our Regional Townhall. When the COVID-19 outbreak occurred at Living Spirit United in Calgary last March, Dr. Hinshaw personally offered support, and an opportunity for the Community of Faith to share their story to that others might learn from their experience. Both Dr. Hinshaw and Premier Jason Kenney led Province-wide Town Halls for Faith Leaders. In Pacific Mountain Regional Council, Health Minister Adrian Dix participated in a Regional Town Hall and Dr. Bonnie Henry telephoned on a Sunday night to offer guidance and support for a particularly sensitive and high profile funeral — on a Sunday night! We are gifted with leaders who care.
On Thursday, December 3rd, I experienced more evidence that the Government of Canada also recognizes the importance of Faith Leaders in general, and particularly during the pandemic. I had the privilege of being part of a national consultation with faith leaders with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Nearly 500 faith leaders from across the country joined in conversation about the role of faith leaders in the pandemic and received a clear message from the Prime Minister that our work is both noticed and valued. It gives me hope!
I invite you to continue to hold all of our leaders in prayer this advent season, and please know that you are held in prayer through these challenging times.
Treena Duncan, Executive Minister