- Target:
- Edmonton City Council --- Edmonton Interfaith Centre for Education and Action
- Region:
- Canada
- Website:
- www.edmontonjournal.com
The Supreme Court of Canada recently ruled (April 15) that opening and closing council meetings in Saguenay Quebec with a Catholic prayer violated Quebec's provincial human rights act.
Edmonton has a worldwide reputation over 35 years of opening City Council meetings with a prayer or chant or musical presentation from one of the 13 + various faith traditions found in this community of 1.3 million residents.
This long-standing inclusive practice strengthens our community by building an environment to foster respect and understanding for Councillors, City Staff and meeting attendees. Ideas for the future include inviting rep. from the atheist/agnostic community to offer a reflection, moments of silence after any/all contributions to create a positive atmosphere of clarity, gratitude and mindfulness . ( for the liberties and freedoms we enjoy as Canadians)
It is my understanding that the purpose of The Charter of Rights and Freedoms is Tolerance, Freedom and Equality. It applies to corporations as well as individuals.
The Charter states that "a law will be found to restrict expression if it has the effect of frustrating the pursuit of truth, participation in the community, or individual self fulfillment and human flourishing" ( Limiting the Right )
The Charter ( 27 ) "This charter shall be interpreted in a manner consistent with the Preservation and enhancement of the multicultural heritage of Canada."
According to the Edmonton Journal "City lawyers want Edmonton councillors to temporarily cancel the prayers that start their meetings for fear the practice is unconstitutional". The April 28 agenda calls for a motion to not have a prayer.
WE, the Undersigned, call on the Honorable Mayor of Edmonton and Councillors TO CONTINUE THE TRADITION OF PROVIDING A PRAYER/SPIRITUAL REFLECTION/CHANT/SILENT MOMENT to begin Council meetings.
WE IMPLORE THE Edmonton Interfaith Centre for Education and Action to PRESENT THIS PETITION to EDMONTON CITY COUNCIL and communicate its success to communities across the country and AROUND THE GLOBE at the upcoming Parliament of Worlds Religions OCTOBER 2015.
You can further help this campaign by sponsoring it
The Support Prayer/Contemplation before Canadian Civic Council Meetings petition to Edmonton City Council --- Edmonton Interfaith Centre for Education and Action was written by Len Gierach and is in the category Culture at GoPetition.