Senior Church Leaders Congregate in Ottawa

 — May 12, 200912 mai 2009

The Canadian Council of Churches holds its May Governing Board meeting in the Capital

[CCC • Erin Green] From May 11 to 15, 2009 The Canadian Council of Churches is engaging the Government of Canada through several high profile events. Outgoing President, The Rev. Dr. James Christie, said “Through this Churches’ Week in Ottawa The Canadian Council of Churches is strengthening the presence of churches in public life, drawing on a long tradition of engagement in the public square, and contributing to the public dialogue today on matters, which affect all people in Canada and the world.”

On Tuesday, May 12, the Commission on Just and Peace is hosting a “Forum on Faith and a Sustainable Economy: Reflections on Hope and Transformation.” Of special note is the lunchtime roundtable with Members of Parliament Rick Dykstra, Peter Julian, John McKay, and Yves Lessard. The MP Roundtable is co-hosted by The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada and the Canadian Council of Churches. Attendees include Members of Parliament and Senate and representatives from a broad range of Christian and other faith traditions, civil society and social justice organizations. Parliament Hill, Wellington Building Room 214, Tuesday, May 12th from 9am to 5pm.

On Wednesday, May 13, the Governing Board will host a “Forum on Faith and the Public Square: What Difference Do Churches Make?” The guest is The Honourable Michael Ignatieff, Leader of the Official Opposition. St. Andrew’s Church, 83 Kent Street, Wednesday, May 13th, 3:15pm to 5pm. This meeting is closed to the media.

On Thursday evening, all are welcome to join in a “Prayers for Peace for Afghanistan” service in the Roman Catholic tradition with contributions from member denominations of The Canadian Council of Churches in their traditional languages – English, French, Greek, Konkani, Ukrainian, Arabic, and Armenian, among others. The service will be attended by Brigadier General, David C. Kettle, Chaplain General of the Canadian Forces, and a representative of His Excellency Omar Samad, Ambassador of Afghanistan to Canada. Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica on Thursday, May 14th at 7:30pm.

On Thursday and Friday delegations from the Governing Board will meet with senior leaders of all political parties to build relationships, raise concerns regarding human trafficking in Canada; and urge Canada to increase its contribution to achieving the Millennium Development Goals, especially related to preparations for Canada hosting the G8 Summit in 2010; among other issues.

The Canadian Council of Churches is the largest ecumenical body in Canada, now representing 21 churches of Anglican, Evangelical, Eastern and Oriental Orthodox, Protestant and Roman Catholic traditions. We are one of the few ecumenical bodies in the world that includes such a range of Christian churches. The officers and staff of the Council are drawn from the whole diversity of traditions represented by the member churches.

For further information on the events and activities during this Churches’ Week in Ottawa meeting of the Commission on Justice and Peace and Governing Board of The Canadian Council of Churches please contact:

The Rev. Dr. Karen Hamilton
General Secretary
c. 416.522.3883

Mr. Peter Noteboom
Associate Secretary, Justice and Peace
c. 416.939.3595

Posted: May 12, 2009 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=571
Categories: News
Transmis : 12 mai 2009 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=571
Catégorie : News


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