The role of religion in Canadian public discourse explored at Montreal conference

Panel on religion and secularism in Canadian society. (L to R) Prof. Margaret Somerville, Rabbi Lisa Grushcow, Lorna Dueck, and Prof. Patrice Brodeur.
© Louis Brunet Montreal, Quebec, 4 June 2013 (CBNS) — “Our challenge is to foster a new spirit of civility ... within an increasingly diverse society, where we can speak openly together about our beliefs, values and principles and how they relate to the common good.”

This statement describes the aims of a conference called “Bridging the Secular Divide: Religion and Canadian Public Discourse,” held at McGill University 27–28 May. The conference was the result of collaboration between the Faculty of Religious Studies and a steering committee on which the diversity of Canada’s religions was represented. Approximately 150 people attended.

Canadian Baha’is Elect their National Governing Council

Newly elected members of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Canada. © Laura Mostmand Toronto, Ontario, 3 June 2013 (CBNS) — More than 150 Baha’i delegates from across the country met in Toronto over the weekend of 25–26 May to elect the national governing body of the Baha’is of Canada, the National Spiritual Assembly.

Commemoration of the passing of the Founder of the Baha’i Faith

Entrance to the Shrine of Baha’u’llah, near Akka (Acre), Israel. © Baha'i International Community Toronto, Ontario, 27 May 2013 (CBNS) — In the early hours of May 29, Baha’is and friends will gather to commemorate the passing of Baha’u’llah, the Prophet-Founder of the Baha’i Faith, 121 years ago.

Celebrating the 169th anniversary of the Herald of the Baha’i Faith

The Shrine of the Bab in Haifa, Israel.
© Laura Mostmand Toronto, Ontario, 21 May 2013 (CBNS) — On May 23, Baha’i communities across Canada and around the world will be celebrating the declaration of the Bab, the Herald of the Baha’i Faith.

Canada Condemns Iran’s Continued Religious Freedom Violations, Including Persecution of Baha’is

Ambassador Andrew Bennett. © DFAIT Ottawa, Ontario, 14 May 2013 (CBNS) — Andrew Bennett, Canada’s Ambassador for Religious Freedom, today issued the following statement:

“Canada marks with regret the fifth anniversary of the illegitimate arrest and detention of seven Iranian Baha’i national leaders by the Khamenei regime, and we renew our call for their release.