The EFC participates in a group called the
Canadian Interfaith Conversation, which gathers representatives of 62 faith communities and faith-based organizations who believe people of faith can contribute positively to the benefit of all people in Canadian society. The group holds a major conference every couple of years, with the next one
May 7-9, 2023.
Theme: Our Whole Society:
Finding Common Ground in a Time of Polarization. Explore how to address the causes of division within our society and how to foster dialogue, justice and find common ground in Canadian civil society along with academic, community & religious leaders.
Location: Martin Luther University College federated with Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ont.
Details and registration: bit.ly/3R3d0UR (in-person or limited access online). The early-bird rate is $99 by Feb. 28 (for two days of keynote addresses, seminars, workshops and lunches). Starting March 1 cost rises to $125. Student rate is $65.
Speakers include: Miroslav Volf, Kathleen Wynne, John Milloy, Carmen Celestini, Ahmed Al-Rawi and Jaspreet Bal. EFC Senior Ambassador Bruce J. Clemenger will also be one of the speakers.
The conference will be the fifth in a series about the changing role of religion in a pluralistic Canadian society. Previously held in Montreal (2013), Vancouver (2015), Ottawa (2017) and Toronto (2019), the gathering brings together leading thinkers from all sectors of society to create a space for meaningful exploration, where a variety of insights can shed light on the place and contribution of religion in a secular age. Past speakers have included Canadian thinkers and writers such as John Ralston Saul, John Borrows, Marie Wilson, Daniel Weinstock and Bob Rae.