Edmonton Interfaith Centre

A Brief Sketch of the History of the Edmonton Interfaith Centre for Education and Action (EICEA)

Multifaith and multicultural events in Edmonton in the mid-1980's tilled the soil for the germination and growth of the Edmonton Interfaith Centre (EICEA). Particularly, the existence of two ad hoc, informal interfaith groups, Canadians for Interfaith Awareness and Harmony (CIFAH), with its focus on discussion on aspects of religious and spiritual life, and the Edmonton Interfaith Network, with its focus on prayer and reflection (especially International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination), together with a city-wide interfaith response to the famine in Ethiopia (1984), and the first formal Jewish - Christian encounter and dialogue (1986) developed an atmosphere of trust and respect among the city's faith leaders. The United Church of Canada's Multifaith project of the late 1980's, early 1990's supported the recommendation of the creation of an Interfaith Centre which would continue and consolidate these and other interfaith activities and develop additional ways and means of encounter, dialogue and engagement. Many individuals contributed their imagination and commitment to the evolution of the Edmonton Interfaith Centre. Their names are to be found in the Centre's Annual Reports (click on “Contact us”).

“Multifaith Dialogue in a Multicultural World”, a week-long educational event held at the Faculty of Extension, University of Alberta in June 1995 was the catalyst for the Centre's formation. At a signing ceremony held in the Welcome Chapel of the Royal Alexandra Hospital, December 19, 1995, representatives from 13 faiths indicated their willingness to see the Interfaith Centre realized as they signed an application for incorporation (see photo).

In the years that have followed, the Centre's faith representation has expanded to its present number, and membership has steadily increased. The EICEA office was initially established at Garneau United Church, then Knox-Metropolitan United Church, and currently within Garneau United Place. A part-time coordinator's position has been an integral part of the Centre's operations since 1995. Funding for the annual budget has come from the faith traditions represented by the membership, with substantial grants from Edmonton Presbytery of The United Church of Canada assisting the Centre's work in the first five years.

A host of activities from dialogues to calendar sales, from prayer services to consultations with government, university and community leaders and organizations have characterized the work of the Centre (see Programs for examples). National and international ecumenical and interfaith liaisons have been critical to our success, and hosting the North American Interfaith Network's 10th anniversary meeting in 1998 remains a highlight (see "Related Links").

An inspiration for our interfaith enterprise was acknowledged early on in this quote from Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”