Edmonton Interfaith Centre for Education and Action

My taxi driver said this is Temple 1 on top of the mountain near Chiang Mai, Thailand.

I visited two temples in Chiang Mai, Thailand today. This is one of them in the Old City.

We were thrilled with the reception of our Inaugural Interfaith Breakfast this past Wednesday in celebration of World Interfaith Harmony Week. We had the great honour of receiving Congratulations and Blessing from Nitin Ajmera, Chair of the Parliament of the World's Religions in New York and an address from President, Dr. Gerald Pillay, of Initiatives of Change International, from the UK. Speaking on the theme of our event, Belonging in a Time of Uncertainty, was Lewis Cardinal, a blessing was offered by Elder Wil Campbell, and greeting were extended from us by Board President, Gail Allan. Although they were hard acts to follow, our Keynote Speaker, Her Honour Salma Lakhani, Lieutenant Governor, was absolutely fabulous and had many of us in tears of gratitude. The University Club was a wonderful venue, and the food and service we exceptional. We look forward to next year!

Here's an important message from the Parliament of the World's Religions

Statement on Interfaith Responsibility in a Time of Rising Authoritarianism

January 30, 2026
Around the world, communities are witnessing a troubling rise in fear‑based governance, shrinking civic space, and the targeting of vulnerable groups. These developments are not isolated events, nor are they confined to one nation or community. They remind us that injustice grows when silence replaces solidarity.

In the face of systemic cruelty counter to the values fundamental to all religions, and to the democratic ideals to which the United States has long aspired – we will not be silent.

As an interfaith organization committed to the dignity of all people, the Parliament of the World’s Religions affirms that this moment carries a clear moral responsibility. Our responsibility is to protect human dignity, practice compassion, and defend justice through our words and by our actions, in the public arena and in our individual lives. We are responsible to hold accountable those in positions of power, and to support one another in our wholehearted commitment to the values we share.

Across our diverse traditions, we share a conviction that human worth is inherent, compassion is not selective, and justice is not optional. When any group is dehumanized through policy, rhetoric, or violence, the fabric of our shared humanity is torn.

Authoritarian movements depend on division. They seek to turn neighbor against neighbor and to misuse religion as a tool of exclusion. Yet across the globe, people of conscience are choosing another path: standing together across differences, protecting one another’s rights, caring for the Earth, and insisting that no human being is disposable.

Authentic religious freedom cannot exist where one worldview is elevated above all others or where dissent is punished. It thrives only in pluralism, rooted not in mere tolerance, but in mutual responsibility.

We stand at a crossroads. The choices we make now will shape the world future generations inherit. If authoritarianism feeds on isolation, our answer must be connection. If it thrives on despair, our answer must be hope made visible. If it seeks silence, our answer must be courageous presence.

The personal is political because policies touch bodies, families, and future, because people matter everywhere.

Guided by its landmark declaration, “Towards a Global Ethic: An Initial Declaration“, the Parliament of the World’s Religions calls on all communities to choose courageous presence over silence, dignity over fear, and solidarity over division.

On September 18, the John Humphrey Centre held their 2025 Human Rights Awards Day by presenting awards to 6 people at the Artshub Ortona building. It was a wonderful event starting off with greetings and a Land Acknowledgement from the Honourable Salma Lakani, Alberta's Lieutenant Governor, and Edmonton City Mayor, Amarjeet Sohi. Several MLA's with present.
The Gerald L. Gall Award went to Dr. Andy Knight, who was also the Keynote Speaker.
It was great to see the room filled with positive people, all interested in, and promoters of, Human Rights.
Pictures were taken and guests were encouraged to mingle while being treated to light refreshments, and entertained with live music.

A few days ago, Avau and Netta set up a display in City Hall focused on the Zoroastrian Faith. City Council has supported our display board there for many years, on which we endeavour monthly to feature information on one of the faith traditions in the City. If you're in the downtown area this month, consider visiting City Hall to read about the Zoroastrian Faith.

The former Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations, Douglas Roche, launched his most recent book at Audrey’s Book Store this afternoon. Here are some pictures from that event.

More pictures from the Iftar dinner event:

Lewis Cardinal received the 2025 Interfaith Advocate Award