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.
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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 amazing project partners in Temiskaming Shores, ON.
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.
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,
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
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:
- Range of belief, or non-belief, in Canada is wide Winnipeg Free Press
- Religious scholar: Canada becoming ‘post-secular’ society Anglican Journal
- Religions on the rise: Islam, Hinduism and Sikhism are thriving in Canada Broadview
- Report gives voice to Canada’s Indigenous Christians, highlights need for religious freedom Catholic News Agency
Territories:
- Fia Grogono’s plan to grow the northern dance community Cabin Radio
- ‘Get at the truth’: Judge to study handling of sex allegations against Nunavut priest Winnipeg Free Press
- McIntyre streets will receive new names Whitehorse Daily Star
BC and Alberta:
- If Allah Has No Gender, Why Not Refer To God As ‘She?’ NPR
- ‘I Knew in the Back of My Head that Lytton Was Gone’ The Tyee
- Tears and triumph: Dempsey Bob’s career retrospective lands at Montreal Museum of Fine Arts APTN
- Town of Westlock council unwavering in support of Pride crosswalk Alberta Prime Times
Saskatchewan and Manitoba:
- ’60s Scoop grief and Holocaust trauma entwine in limited series ‘Little Bird’ 620ckrm
- Saskatchewan Grants Sikhs Temporary Exemption To Motorcycle Helmet Requirement Government of Saskatchewan
- ‘An 1896 solution for a 2023 problem’: The upcoming vote to allow religious instruction at a St. James school CTV News Winnipeg
Ontario:
- Funeral home workers worry about youths’ mental health as repatriations to India increase CBC News
- HoopQueens running the court as semipro basketball league for women shows signs of growth CBC News
- Ontario politician pitches a ‘pick-your-own’ stat holiday plan City News
Quebec:
- After anti-abortion event cancelled, rights commission reminds Quebec about freedoms Montreal Gazette
- Ginette Reno: mille et un projets, zéro tabou Le Soleil
- Un juge rejette une demande d’injonction sur les salles de prière à l’école Radio-Canada
Atlantic Canada:
- ‘Decolonizing the library’: N.L. Public Libraries welcomes first Indigenous storyteller-in-residence Salt Wire
- Home Depot pulls Inuksuk garden statue over cultural appropriation concerns Nunatsiaq News
- Meet an embroiderer who is passing on an ancient Indian tradition to her Canadian neighbours CBC News
International:
- From Tel Aviv to Riyadh New York Times
- People in China are so worried about the economy they’re asking for divine intervention CNN
- Utah district’s Bible ban spurs protest by parents, Republicans AP News
- Why wellness tourism is on the rise in the Philippines Khaleej Times
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
Image source – https://unsplash.com/photos/UxEdY828JVE
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)