Our Newsletter

Our Newsletter

Our bi-monthly newsletters inform about topics and issues related to civic religious literacy in Canada especially. The “Thought Corner” unpacks common questions, concerns, and points of tension using religious literacy skills.

Subscribe here to receive the newsletter directly. Our past newsletters are posted online here.

To learn about our current engagements, check our engagements listing here.

To stay in touch, you can also follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.


***Newsletter redesign coming soon***

 

 

June 2023 Newsletter

 

CCRL Updates

Dear friends,

As John Longhurst, long-time reporter for the Wininpeg Free Press highlights below, Canada is seeing an ever-increasing range of belief and unbelief. Longhurst states: “Here’s hoping the CBC and all media can find ways to be more mindful about that range, and how they report about the diversity of belief in this country.” Adding to his thoughts, I would emphasize the importance of knowing how to engage and understand our neighbours, colleagues, classmates, and friends who are part of this range – no matter our similarities or differeences. Dr. Kathryn Chan, one of our amazing Board members, also explores this discussion in our Thought Corner of the month. It has been a privilege to see and learn from and about this range in our recent projects too.

This June, we completed our first certification training for individuals and workplaces in Temiskaming Shores and Area that have committed to be Faith & Belief Friendly. It was an honour to train, learn from and with them in our three months together. Our discussions showed the value, need, and complexity of what this range means in the rural and/or small-to-medium sized workplace, and how to create the space to welcome and engage with religious, spiritual, and non-religious diversity.

Our project team in Temiskaming Shores, standing on a patio.

Our amazing project partners in Temiskaming Shores, ON.

Faith & Belief Friendly certified individuals and employers in front of Ms. Claybelt - mascot for the area.

Faith & Belief Friendly certified individuals and employers in front of Ms. Claybelt – mascot for the area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This month, we also completed the first cohort of our Civic Literacy Youth Network. In our eight months together, the incredible young leaders across Canada pondered, asked questions, and listened to various voices within this range. Now equipped with more religious literacy tools and practice, we know they are leaders who will aim to engage carefully and considerately with people across different worldviews.

Zoom photo of the Civic Literacy Youth Network cohort, with some regrets.

The Civic Literacy Youth Network cohort, with some members missing.

As you can see, there is much work to be done, and many wonderful people to meet. We continue on this journey and welcome anyone who would like to join us. Please don’t hesitate to reach out at any time.

Sincerely,

Alice

CCRL Executive Director & Co-Founder

 

 

CCRL is a registered charity. Our work is project-based and predominantly funded by grants. Your financial support is welcome.

 


The Pulse

Asian Heritage Society of New Brunswick depicted teaching locals how to embroider in a workshop.

From the article Meet an embroiderer who is passing on an ancient Indian tradition to her Canadian neighbours

 

How does belief (religious or not) inform life and society in Canada today?

Here are some headlines that show how religious, spiritual, and non-religious perspectives remain part of our daily lives and society. They show the struggles, virtues, and influence of Canadians in local and global communities. Some are one-on-one interactions while others are systemic, good and bad.

Follow our Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn accounts for regular updates. Note, these headlines do not indicate endorsement but are shared for the purpose of awareness and understanding.

 

Canada:

 

Territories:

 

BC and Alberta: 

 

Saskatchewan and Manitoba: 

 

Ontario:

 

Quebec: 

 

Atlantic Canada: 

 

International: 

 

 

 


think corner

Religious Literacy Thought Corner

 

Every issue, this section will focus on one specific aspect of society or identity. Using religious literacy skills and framework, our team will briefly prompt how to identify,  perceive, and undestand the influence of religion, spirituality, and non-religious belief in our lives and world. Past Thought Corners are here.

In this issue, Dr. Kathryn Chan discusses:

Religious Literacy and the Lived Experiences of Belief and Unbelief

 

Access the post here: https://ccrl-clrc.ca/belief-and-unbelief/

 

 


Cultural/Holy days (June & July 2023)

This list of dates is generally commemorated or observed by many individuals within a community. Some individuals from each community may not adhere to the cultural/holy days themselves. It is not a comprehensive list of cultural/holy days worldwide but a list of those commonly recognized across parts of Canada. Our team wishes you a rejuvenating time of contemplation, celebration, and community support this June and July.

 

June 2023

JUNE 8 – Corpus Christi (some Christians)

JUNE 16 – Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Sahib (Sikhs)

JUNE 21 –  National Indigenous Peoples Day, World Humanist Day (Humanists), Summer Solstice (various groups)

JUNE 23 –  Rath Yatra (some Hindus)

JUNE 24 –  St. Jean Baptiste (Catholics, predominantly in Quebec)

JUNE 29 – Eid-al-Adha (Muslims)

 

 

July 2023

JULY 3 – Dharma Day (Theravada Buddhists); Guru Purnima (some Hindus, Jains, Buddhists)

JULY 9 – Martyrdom of the Báb (Baha’is)

JULY 19 – Hijra – Islamic New Year (some Muslims)

JULY 23 – Tish’a B’Av (some Jews)

JULY 24 – Pioneer Day (Latter Day Saints)

JULY 28 – Muharram (some Muslims)