Hope, Gratitude and Solidarity - A Message to Canadians from Religious Leaders in Canada in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic - Canadian Council ...
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Hope, Gratitude
and Solidarity
A Message to Canadians
from Religious Leaders in Canada
in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
PHOTO: YOKSEL ZOK / UNSPLASH
In spite of present sufferings, which
can seem overwhelming at times, the
flames of hope cannot be extinguished.
Let us witness hope to each other
and so become beacons of light
during these uncertain times.
PHOTO: YANIKAP/ISTOCK
C
anadians are experiencing the devastating can bring us closer in spirit, despite the require-
impact of COVID-19 in what has become ments of physical distancing. Let us witness hope
a rapidly evolving crisis. Understandably, to each other and so become beacons of light dur-
this crisis has brought about feelings of anxiety, ing these uncertain times.
apprehension and fear. Critical elements of our
Canada has gone through several difficult and
daily lives are being thrown into uncertainty:
painful experiences in its history. When current
health, employment, financial security, recre-
and former generations have responded to these
ational activities, as well as our ability to gather
challenges, many were empowered by unwaver-
as worshiping communities. In view of these
ing hope as well as human and spiritual resilience.
difficulties, we as religious leaders wish to bring
For religious believers, this hope takes on a special
forward a message of hope, gratitude and solidar-
ity to all people who call Canada home.
We draw hope from a variety of sources: from
A Message of Hope our religious beliefs, the love of our families,
the relationships with friends and the work we
We draw hope from a variety of sources: from our do. Each of these, and others as well, provides
religious beliefs, the love of our families, the rela-
tionships with friends and the work we do. Each rays of hope to our daily lives.
of these, and others as well, provides rays of hope
to our daily lives. Likewise, hope provides cour- and unique dimension. It assures us of the caring
age to face the burdens we bear and the ability to embrace of the Creator, a sacred relationship sus-
look onwards toward the dawning of a new day. tained by prayer, and which flows into our human
In spite of present sufferings, which can seem relationships whereby we care for one another
overwhelming at times, the flames of hope cannot and bear each other’s burden. Yet, hope brings for
be extinguished. Love, which gives life its fullest everyone a promise of renewal, even in the midst
meaning, continues to seek out the common good of human suffering. Hope assures us that this
in spite of individual difficulties. Acts of kindness affliction too shall pass.
2 HOPE, GRATITUDE AND SOLIDARITY
As religious leaders, we raise
our collective voices to highlight
the necessity for greater attention
to the needs of the homeless, the
PHOTO: LISEGAGNE / ISTOCK
incarcerated, the elderly and those
already suffering from social isolation.
Governments across Canada as well as religious
leaders are bearing particularly heavy burdens in
steering our communities through this calamity.
A Message of Gratitude It is comforting to see that in such demanding
times, political differences are being set aside to
serve the common good. This too is a witness of
During this time of crisis, we as religious leaders
hope for Canadians. For all these acts of generos-
wish to offer words of appreciation and grati-
ity and dedication, let us add our expressions of
tude. Health care professionals are providing
gratitude for the important work of the diverse
unfailing and dedicated service under stressful
leaders of our country.
and difficult circumstances. They provide for us
a powerful witness of care, expertise and service
in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
There is also the increased
A Message of Solidarity
risk of exposure to infec-
We urge all people in Canada to listen and
tion along with other
follow attentively the directions of our public
hardships being experi-
health officials and government leaders. We,
enced by so many others.
as religious leaders, pledge to lead by example.
For instance, while the
We all must act together in confronting this
rest of society rightly
virus. While everyone is vulnerable during this
heeds the precautions of
crisis, let us not forget those in our society who,
physical distancing, many
prior to COVID-19, were already vulnerable to
remain at work in grocery
health and social ailments. As religious leaders,
PHOTO: FOROUZANI / UPSTOCK
stores, pharmacies and
we raise our collective voices to highlight the
factories. Students, the
necessity for greater attention to the needs of
middle-aged, and those
close to retirement are
fulfilling a variety of
essential front-line jobs in
PHOTO: ROCKETCLIPS / ADOBESTOCK
the supply chain, ensuring
that stores remain open, shelves remain stocked,
and goods are delivered so that others can have
food, medicines and other essentials for their
families and communities. We express a deep
appreciation and gratitude for these workers.
3 HOPE, GRATITUDE AND SOLIDARITY
This is a time for human solidarity.
We all need to pull together.
neighbour. This includes care and solidarity for
PHOTO: SDOMINICK / ISTOCK
the global community who face this crisis with far
fewer resources than those accessible to Canada.
This is a time for us to draw closer to God.
Religion and spirituality can indeed contribute
to building people up, to providing a sense of
meaning, inner strength, new horizons and
openness of hearts. As religious leaders, we wish
the homeless, the incarcerated, the elderly and
to emphasize, especially in times like these, the
those already suffering from social isolation.
power and importance of prayer. We earnestly
We remember too those people, especially women
pray for healing, for the continued efforts to
and children who face abuse and violence, who are
relieve human suffering, and for perseverance
not safe at home and may suffer additional abuse
throughout these challenging times. As history
and violence as stress increases. We must never
records these moments for our country’s future,
overlook or exclude these groups from our plan-
ning, preparedness and response to this pandemic.
We are particularly mindful of First Nations,
Métis and Inuit communities, including isolated
Northern communities, who were already facing
pre-existing challenges and for whom the COVID-
19 outbreak could prove singularly devastating.
PHOTO: KIEFERPIX / SHUTTERSTOCK
Likewise, we need to remember the needs and
vulnerabilities of the many refugees and migrant
workers who have come to Canada seeking safety
and security.
Charitable organizations in Canada will face
greater challenges during this time of crisis and
will need greater assistance from governments so
as to continue their vital work. This is a time for
human solidarity. We all need to pull together. It is let us pray that, in the face of COVID-19, we
essential to carry out the practical requirements to respond with an abundance of hope, gratitude
limit the spread of this virus. It is also important to and solidarity, trusting in the loving and ever
maintain a posture of attentive caring towards our merciful God, the source of all hope. O O
Let us pray that, in the face of COVID-19, we respond with an abundance
of hope, gratitude and solidarity, trusting in the loving and ever merciful
God, the source of all hope.
Hope, Gratitude
and Solidarity
4
Religious Leaders
Rev. Kenesha Blake-Newell Kevin Schular
Rev. Kenesha Blake-Newell Kevin Schular
Itinerant Elder (Grant AME) Executive Director
African Methodist Episcopal Church Baptist General Conference of Canada
Farhan Iqbal Charles Mashinter
Farhan Iqbal Charles Mashinter
Missionary Executive Director
Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Canada Be In Christ Church – Canada
Rev. Shane B. Janzen Lee Nicholas-Pattillo
Rev. Shane B. Janzen Lee Nicholas-Pattillo
Archbishop President
The Anglican Catholic Church of Canada Canadian Association for Baptist Freedoms
The Most Rev. Linda Nicholls MGen Guy J.J. Chapdelaine, OMM, CD, QHC
The Most Rev. Linda Nicholls MGen Guy J.J. Chapdelaine, OMM, CD, QHC
Archbishop and Primate Chaplain General
The Anglican Church of Canada Canadian Armed Forces
Rev. Fr. John Benjamin Vic Paradero, OMHS Rev. Dr. Terry G. Smith
Rev. Dr. Terry G. Smith
Rev. Fr. Jose Mark John Jamili, OMHS Executive Director
Rev. Fr. John Benjamin Vic Paradero, OMHS Canadian Baptist Ministries
Rev. Fr. Jose Mark John Jamili, OMHS
Apostolic Catholic Church of Canada
Dr. Peter Reid
Dr. Peter Reid
Rev. Wesley E. Mills Executive Minister
Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada
Rev. Wesley E. Mills
President
Apostolic Church of Pentecost of Canada, Inc. Rev. Tim McCoy
Rev. Tim McCoy
His Grace Bishop Abgar Hovakimyan Executive Minister
Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec
His Grace Bishop Abgar Hovakimyan
Primate
Armenian Holy Apostolic Church Diocese of Canada Rev. Rob Ogilvie
Rev. Rob Ogilvie
Mobeen Khaja, O Ont. Executive Minister
Canadian Baptists of Western Canada
Mobeen Khaja, O Ont.
President
Association of Progressive Muslims of Canada
5 HOPE, GRATITUDE AND SOLIDARITY
Religious Leaders (continued)
Dr. Adriana Bara Zul Kassamali
Dr. Adriana Bara
Executive Director
Aileen Van Ginkel
Canadian Centre for Ecumenism Zul Kassamali, Co-chair
Aileen Van Ginkel, Co-chair
Canadian Interfaith Conversation
+Richard Gagnon
+Richard Gagnon
Archbishop of Winnipeg, President Rabbi Reuven Poupko
Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops
Rabbi Baruch Friedman-Kohl
Elton Da Silva Rabbi Debra Landsberg
Elton Da Silva
National Director Rabbi Jonathan Infeld
Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches
Rabbi Reuven Poupko
Rabbi Baruch Friedman-Kohl
Rev. Stephen Kendall, Rabbi Debra Landsberg
Rabbi Jonathan Infeld
Pastor Peter Noteboom Co-chairs
Canadian Rabbinic Caucus, an affiliate
Rev. Stephen Kendall, President of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs
Pastor Peter Noteboom, General Secretary
The Canadian Council of Churches
Beverly Shepard
Imam Mohamed Refaat Abo Onar Beverly Shepard
Presiding Clerk
Imam Mohamed Refaat Abo Onar Canadian Yearly Meeting of the
President Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)
Canadian Council of Imams
Rev. Dr. David Hearn
Nina Karachi-Khaled Rev. Dr. David Hearn
President
Nina Karachi-Khaled
The Christian and Missionary Alliance in Canada
President of the National Board
Canadian Council of Muslim Women
Rev. Ann Stainton
Rev. David McGrew Rev. Ann Stainton
Moderator
Rev. David McGrew
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Canada
National Director
Canadian Fellowship of Churches and Ministers
The Rev Dr. Darren Roorda
Pandit Roopnauth Sharma The Rev Dr. Darren Roorda
Canadian Ministries Director
Pandit Roopnauth Sharma Christian Reformed Church in North America
President
Canadian Multifaith Federation
6 HOPE, GRATITUDE AND SOLIDARITY
Religious Leaders (continued)
Michel J. Carter H.G. Anba Mina
John N. Craig H.G. Anba Makar
James E. Evanson HG Abba Boulos
Michael R. Murray H.G. Anba Mina
Bishop Mississauga, Vancouver and Western Canada
Elder Michel J. Carter H.G. Anba Makar
Elder John N. Craig Bishop of Goshen, Egypt;
Elder James E. Evanson Papal Vicar in the Archdiocese of Toronto
Elder Michael R. Murray H.G Abba Boulos
Area Seventies Bishop of Ottawa, Montreal, and Eastern Canada
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints The Coptic Orthodox Church in Canada
Rev. Dr. Ian Fitzpatrick L.K. (Rev. Fr.) Messale Engeda
Rev. Dr. Ian Fitzpatrick L.K. (Rev. Fr.) Messale Engeda
National Director Head priest and Administrator
Church of the Nazarene Canada Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church of Canada
Kerry Richards Dr. David P. Lavigne
Kerry Richards Dr. David P. Lavigne
President, Canada East Bishop
Community of Christ The Evangelical Christian Church in Canada
Rabbi Reuven P. Bulka, CM, Ph.D Bruce J. Clemenger
Rabbi Reuven P. Bulka, CM, Ph.D Bruce J. Clemenger
Rabbi Emeritus and spiritual leader President
Congregation Machzikei Hadas, Ottawa The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada
Rev. Dr. David Schrader Dr. William Taylor
Rev. Dr. David Schrader Dr. William Taylor
National Pastor Executive Director
Congregational Christian Churches in Canada Evangelical Free Church of Canada
Netta Phillet The Rev. Susan C. Johnson
Netta Phillet The Rev. Susan C. Johnson
Coordinator National Bishop
Edmonton Interfaith Centre for Education & Action Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada
7 HOPE, GRATITUDE AND SOLIDARITY
Religious Leaders (continued)
Tim Dyck Dr. Ronald A. Kuipers
Tim Dyck Dr. Ronald A. Kuipers
Executive Director President
Evangelical Mennonite Conference Institute for Christian Studies
Rev. Steven F. Jones Halil Yurtsever
Rev. Steven F. Jones Halil Yurtsever
National President Intercultural Dialogue Institute
The Fellowship of Evangelical
Baptist Churches in Canada
Brian A. Hawes
Steve Falkiner Brian A. Hawes
President
Steve Falkiner Interfaith Committee on Chaplaincy
President in the Correctional Service of Canada
Foursquare Gospel Church of Canada
Imam Ilyas Sidyot
Bill Hall Imam Ilyas Sidyot
Bill Hall Grand Mosque of Saskatoon
President Islamic Association of Saskatchewan (Saskatoon) Inc.
Grace Communion International Canada
Jennifer Henry
Philip Bryant Jennifer Henry
Philip Bryant Executive Director
Executive Director KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives
Grace Fellowship Canada
Naj Mankal
His Eminence Archbishop Sotirios Naj Mankal
His Eminence Archbishop Sotirios President
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada Islamic Centre of Southwest Ontario
Pandit Roopnauth Sharma Imam Zubair Sidyot
Pandit Roopnauth Sharma Imam Zubair Sidyot
President Lethbridge Muslim Association (Alberta)
Hindu Federation of Canada
Belle Jarniewski
Rev. Paul McPhail Belle Jarniewski
Rev. Paul McPhail President
General Secretary Manitoba Multifaith Council
Independent Assemblies of God International Canada
8 HOPE, GRATITUDE AND SOLIDARITYReligious Leaders (continued)
Rev. Dr. Isaac Mar Philoxenos Episcopa Imam Irshad Unia
Rev. Dr. Isaac Mar Philoxenos Episcopa Imam Irshad Unia
Bishop, Diocese of North America And Europe Prince Albert Muslim Association (Saskatchewan)
Mar Thoma Syrian Church
The Rev. Marijke Strong
Doug Klassen The Rev. Marijke Strong
Doug Klassen Executive Secretary
Executive Minister Regional Synod of Canada
Mennonite Church Canada Reformed Church in America
Zul Kassamali Pascale Frémond
Zul Kassamali Pascale Frémond
President President
National Alliance for the Religions for Peace Canada
Advancement of Pluralistic Society
Commissioner Floyd J. Tidd
Muneeb Nasir Commissioner Floyd J. Tidd
Muneeb Nasir Territorial Commander
Co-Chair The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory
National Muslim Christian Liaison Committee
The Most Rev. Zenji Nio
His Eminence, Archbishop Irénée The Most Rev. Zenji Nio
His Eminence, Archbishop Irénée Abbot, Samurai Buddhist Temple & Museum
Archbishop of Ottawa and Canada Tokyo, Japan & Bay Street Corridor, Toronto
and the Archdiocese of Canada
Orthodox Church in America
Rabbi David Seed
Rev. Dr. David R. Wells Rabbi David Seed
President
Rev. Dr. David R. Wells Toronto Board of Rabbis
General Superintendent
The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada
The Most Reverend
Rev. Terry W. Snow Lawrence Huculak, O.S.B.M.
Rev. Terry W. Snow The Most Reverend
General Superintendent Lawrence Huculak, O.S.B.M.
Pentecostal Assemblies of Newfoundland & Labrador Metropolitan Archbishop of Winnipeg
for Ukrainian Catholics in Canada
The Rev. Amanda Currie
The Rev. Amanda Currie
Moderator
The Presbyterian Church in Canada
9 HOPE, GRATITUDE AND SOLIDARITYReligious Leaders (continued)
His Eminence, The Most Rev. David Ruis
Metropolitan Yurij (Kalistchuk) David Ruis
National Director
His Eminence, The Most Rev. Vineyard Canada
Metropolitan Yurij (Kalistchuk)
Archbishop of Winnipeg and the Central Eparchy
Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada Pastor Mike Stone
Pastor Mike Stone
Rev. David Rowley Executive Director
Vision Ministries Canada
Rev. David Rowley
General Secretary
The Union of French Baptist Churches in Canada Rev. Dr. Eric R. Hallett
Rev. Dr. Eric R. Hallett
Rev. Brian K. Magnus District Superintendent, Central Canada District
The Wesleyan Church
Rev. Brian K. Magnus
Bishop
The United Brethren Church in Canada Venerable Dr. Bhante Saranapala
Venerable Dr. Bhante Saranapala
The Right Rev. Richard Bott West End Buddhist Temple and Meditation Centre
Nora Sanders Jaskaran Singh Sandhu
The Right Rev. Richard Bott, Moderator Jaskaran Singh Sandhu
Nora Sanders, General Secretary Executive Director
The United Church of Canada World Sikh Organization of Canada
Code: 185-140 ISBN: 978-0-88997-874-4
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