Edmonton Interfaith Centre for Education and Action

The Edmonton Interfaith Centre (EIC) and the Canadian Multicultural Education Foundation (CMEF) will be holding a panel discussion over Zoom on Sunday March 21 from 1 to 2:30 for the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD). Speakers will be Jodi Calahoo Stonehouse, Beryl Cook and Dr. Alvin Finkel.

This is the commemoration of a terrible massacre of unarmed protesters in South Africa in 1960. In 1966 the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed this as a day of remembrance. Canada was the first country to support the initiative, making it an annual campaign in 1989.

In fact the EIC grew out of this event which we first marked in the early 1990’s. At that time it was unique, here and elsewhere, to have people from many different faiths making a public statement, from their own tradition, that we all stand together against racism and affirm our common humanity, and the seeds of the Centre were sown. We firmly believe that organizations like ours can take some modest credit for the wonderful embrace of diversity that characterizes almost all our citizens. We had our usual great program planned in 2020 but it had to be our first COVID cancellation. The CMEF has held the Harmony Brunch for many years as their observance of the day.

Stay tuned for more information!

Our vice-president Farah is moderating as online dialogue regarding the recent attacks on Muslim women in Edmonton.  If you’re interested, here’s the link to get tickets – the event open to everyone and it’s free

In light of news headlines regarding GraceLife Church in Parkland County, where leaders and members have defied COVID-19 restrictions imposed by the Province, we share once again this message from a group Edmonton and area spiritual leaders, reiterating our commitment to putting safety first.

Please join us for the 2021 Building Bridges Among Faith Traditions: A Multifaith Concert, which premiered at 2 pm on Sunday, February 7, 2021. This event is presented in celebration of World Interfaith Harmony Week as well as the 25th anniversary of the Edmonton Interfaith Centre for Education and Action (EICEA). There were prayers/readings from various faith traditions and exciting performances by Ensemble Topaz, Melanie Gall, Martin Kerr and Sharmila Mathur.

The City of Edmonton has proclaimed February 1-7, 2021 to be “World Interfaith Harmony Week”.

Every year since our incorporation we have hosted an open house in December; the programs included entertainment, music, dance and prayers from different faith traditions. Ethnic food from across the globe was provided by our members.

It was a wonderful opportunity to experience diverse customs and enjoy fellowship and community. Since we could not meet in 2020 we created a virtual celebration, here is a link to the video….. Let’s hope to gather in 2021!

The Edmonton Interfaith Centre hosted a panel on Love, Justice and Family Violence on November 25, 2020. Misinterpretation of religious texts and messages can be used to justify and excuse family violence, and faith leaders must address these issues as they help their communities understand and avoid gender-based violence.