© Edmonton Interfaith Centre for Education and Action 2010 Made with Xara Recent Dialogues April, 2011  Women in Religion Over the centuries women have played a wide variety of roles within diverse faith traditions, sometimes at the forefront and sometimes behind the scenes.  Often it appears that their voices have been lost in the sands of time.  Yet, their participation in religious rituals and their contributions to the faith community tell a unique and extraordinary story.   Women have shaped their religions in important ways. The EICEA will explored the spiritual journeys of women across faith traditions, and examined the role of women in religious leadership. November, 2010  The Opiate of the Masses?  Religions in the 21st Century The Centre examined the possible roles that religion will play in the near future, examining the following questions: What will be the future of religion in Canada in the 21st century? In many mainstream religions commitment to institutions has declined, attendance is down, and religious practices are neglected or downplayed among many formerly observant people. One explanation may be that we live in an increasingly secular society. Religious beliefs have been called into question. Both scientists and philosophers have produced theories that suggest religious beliefs are untenable.  Yet, at the same time, interest in spirituality is increasing, sometimes drawing people toward religions that they find unfamiliar, or toward New Age beliefs and practices considered to harmonize ancient religious knowledge with the increasing secularity of this century.