Our Whole Society
Our Whole Society: Finding Common Ground in a Time of Polarization
May 7-9, 2023, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario
Registration: bit.ly/3R3d0UR (in-person or online)
Explore how to address the causes of division within our society and how to foster dialogue, justice and find common ground in Canadian civil society along with academic, community & religious leaders.
Polarization is a growing challenge in Canada. Over the past several years there have been new and deepening divisions across the country as we increasingly group people into “us” and “them” often fueled by social media and other technologies. We see it in political debates and discussions around public policy when racism and religious intolerance present some of their ugliest manifestations.
How can Canadians respond constructively in the face of disagreement? How do Canadians maintain an open and pluralistic society where different voices are welcome to contribute to a vibrant public sphere? How will voices of spirituality, faith and religion be a source of insight to address these challenges?
Discuss the issues confronting civil society with Elizabeth May, founding member of the All-Party Parliamentary Interfaith Caucus and leader of the Green Party of Canada, Prof. Miroslav Volf, Yale Divinity School, Director of the Yale Center for Faith and Culture, Prof. John Milloy, Martin Luther University College, Director of the Centre for Public Ethics, Dr. Carmen Celestini, University of Waterloo and Fellow with the Centre on Hate, Prof. Ahmed Al-Rawi Simon Fraser University, Director of the Disinformation Project and Dr. Jaspreet Bal Centennial College, Chair of Child and Family Studies and Board Member of the World Sikh Organization (Canada) amongst others.
The Conference will also be informed by the work of Canada-wide organizations with Dr. Jack Jebwad, President, Canadian Association for Canadian Studies, Nuzhat Jafri, Exec. Dir. of the Canadian Council of Muslim Women, Mohammed Hashim, Exec. Dir. of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation, Bob Watts, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, Stephen Brown Exec. Dir. of the National Council of Canadian Muslims and Bruce Clemenger, Exec Dir. of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada.
On the evening of May 8, Martin Luther University College's Inshallah Interfaith Choir under the direction of Dr. Debbie Lou Ludolph will lead conference participants in an arts-based interfaith workshop, designed as a space to hold in tension radically dissenting views.
The early bird rate is $99.00 by February 28 which includes 2 days of key note addresses, seminars, workshops and lunches. Starting March 1 the cost of registration is $125.00 For more information and registration please go to: bit.ly/3R3d0UR
