Interfaith Activities On the Rise in Ottawa

December 28, 2003

Source: Ottawa Citizen

On December 28, 2003 the Ottawa Citizen reported, "Ottawa is rapidly becoming the interfaith capital of Canada and, perhaps, the world...Among the initiatives unique to Ottawa are the Capital Region Interfaith Council, which promotes co-operation among religious groups on issues of peace, justice and the environment, and Interfaith Ottawa, a partnership between the multifaith community and the City of Ottawa that provides a united voice against acts of intolerance or hatred. 'This doesn't exist anywhere else. As far as we know, it is unprecedented in cities,' said the Very Rev. Shane Parker, rector of Christ Church Cathedral and dean of the Anglican diocese of Ottawa. Interfaith Ottawa is also working with the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board to improve students' understanding of world faiths through activities connected with temples, mosques and synagogues. The Ottawa-Carleton Catholic School Board already transports 1,000 students to events at area mosques, synagogues and temples every year."