Social cohesion

Youth delegates at the Interreligious Youth Preforum, Kaub, Germany. © Joe Matta Toronto, Ontario, 19 August 2014 (CBNS) — From the 13th to the 16th of July, 19 youth delegates from around the world, with experience in grassroots social action, gathered in the picturesque town of Kaub, Germany to attend the Interreligious Youth Pre-forum (IYF). Over the course of six days, participants representing 18 different countries and six of the world’s major religions, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and the Baha’i Faith, consulted about faith expressed in social action and how collaboration between faith groups can further the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.

Storytelling performance participants. © Sheila Flood Victoria, British Columbia, 7 March 2014 (CBNS) — In late February, the Victoria, British Columbia, Baha’i community, along with other local faith groups, participated in a storytelling performance and workshop organized by the Inter-Cultural Association of Victoria (ICA).

Some participants of the devotional gathering in Chambly. © John Macleod Chambly, Quebec, 12 February 2014 (CBNS) — “It gives me such joy! I love it!” This is how Sharon, from Chambly (Quebec), explains why for the last ten years she and her husband, John, have been inviting friends and acquaintances to her home to pray and talk about spiritual matters.

Mark Adler, Member of Parliament, with Baha'i delegation at the Interfaith National Breakfast.
© House of Commons Photography 2013 Ottawa, Ontario, 8 November 2013 (CBNS) — Dr. Andrew Bennett, Canada’s Ambassador of Religious Freedom, addressed the Fifth Annual All-Party Interfaith Parliamentary Breakfast on Tuesday 5 November. The Parliamentary Restaurant was filled to capacity with parliamentarians, foreign ambassadors, representatives of Canada’s religious communities and interfaith organizations, and academics.

The Baha'i Community submission and gift being placed in the bentwood box by the three Commissioners, members of the Baha'i Community of Canada, and a member of the Survivors Committee.
© Baha'i Community of Canada/Photo: Tobin Smith Vancouver, British Columbia, 24 September 2013 (CBNS) — Deloria Bighorn, Chair of the Canadian National Spiritual Assembly, the national governing body of the Baha’i Community of Canada, accompanied by her daughter Jelana, presented the Baha’i submission to Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission on Friday 20 September in Vancouver.