Contact
ROBERT DUFFY902, av. Sainte-Croix
Montréal
(Québec)
Canada
H4L 3Y6
514-744-0888
canada@upf.org
Canada
902, av. Sainte-Croix
Montréal
(Québec)
Canada
H4L 3Y6
514-744-0888
canada@upf.org
Chapter Secretary General
Robert Duffy,
SECRÉTAIRE-GÉNÉRAL
SECRÉTAIRE-GÉNÉRAL
World Interfaith Harmony Week Observed in Montreal
Montreal, Canada - Ambassadors for Peace gathered in Montreal on the evening of Feb. 3, 2014 to celebrate the UN designated Interfaith Harmony Week. The evening included prayers, the reading of sacred scriptures by representatives of different faiths and a water pouring ceremony by representatives of Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist and Unification traditions. The evening concluded with reflections on scriptures read from the holy texts by those in attendance.
Toronto Forum on the Role of Culture in Resolving Middle Eastern Conflicts
Toronto, Canada - Conflicts in the Middle East are not limited to the Israel/Palestine conflict, an Israeli scholar emphasized at a an interfaith forum on Jan. 26, 2014 in Toronto, Canada.
Toronto Conference on Educating for Peace
Toronto, Canada - More than 50 Ambassadors for Peace and delegates of diverse religions and cultures attended a Jan. 11, 2014, conference in Toronto on "Stable Families Bring Prosperity, Peace, and Integrity to the Nation."
J.B. Pratt: A Secular State and a Religiously Inclusive Society
Some, in the current debate in Canada, have argued that the state should be officially atheistic and that religious groups and institutions should not benefit from tax-exempt status or have any public role. I understand a secular state (and I think this underlies at least the language of the proposed Charter of Quebec Values, if not its spirit) to be one which does not privilege or favor any particular religion or system of belief, but treats all neutrally.
S. Elibyari: The Charter of Quebec Values – Projet de loi 60
We love Quebec, we are full-fledged citizens, we strive to live in a tolerant, pluralistic, all inclusive society where each and every person will be valued for their contribution. Together by joining our efforts, by opening our minds and our hearts we will become this society, Insha Allah, God willing.
Montreal Interfaith Forum: Bridging the Secular State and Religiously Inclusive Society
Montreal, Canada – A UPF forum in Montreal on Nov. 21, 2013, addressed controversial proposed legislation in the province of Quebec prohibiting government employees working in education and medical institutions from wearing religious symbols.
Studying the Philosophy of Peace in Toronto
Toronto, Canada - The Central District of UPF-Canada held a meeting in Toronto to study the ‘Philosophy of Peace’ as envisioned by Rev. Sun Myung Moon and to review our performance and find the answers to questions, if any, from the National Conference in Ottawa on Oct. 5, 2013.
M.D. Bryant: The Syrian Crisis and the Way of Dialogue
The situation in Syria is ever-changing and difficult. It is a challenging situation, but whatever position UPF takes must have some resonance with religious and cultural voices living within Syria. It is worth noting that on the Internet there is considerable criticism from religious voices inside Syria directed towards those outside Syria for failing to grasp the internal Syrian situation and over-simplifying what is happening.
E. Gibbs: Paradoxes of Multiculturalism and Tolerance
As we sail into the future, we carry with us the baggage of unsolved problems of the past, and complex and unsolved problems of the present. There is a need for a new social contract within distinct cultures, and between distinct cultures. Evidently, these recommendations are challenging to craft and implement, but they are essential for cultural coherence, and peace and harmony, as we sail in the unchartered waters of the twenty-first century and the new millennium.
D. Kilgour: Sisters in Spirit and Justice for All
I believe strongly that our criminal justice system must be essentially blind to cultural differences in victims. Each victim is entitled to the same protection as any other--and this includes having police and prosecutors go after criminals who violate the rights of any person, especially using violence, with equal vigor. Victims in general are no longer supposed to be the forgotten key components of the justice system. The 600 cases of missing and murdered Aboriginal women across our country is an excellent place to begin to create more equal justice for all across this land.
D. Cardinal: Towards a Circle of Nations and a Culture of Peace
The prophecy [of the First Nations before contact] was that we had to build an indigenous center, a circle of all nations, and bring that knowledge and wisdom that had been here for thousands of years and share it with all the people that we welcome to the land.
Leadership Conference Envisions Canada as a Welcoming Family
Ottawa, Canada- “Should Canada see itself as a welcoming family?” was the question asked by the annual UPF and Women’s Federation for World Peace conference in Ottawa, Canada Oct. 5, 2013.
Day of Peace Observed at an Educational Program in Montreal
Montreal, Canada - Ambassadors for Peace gathered in Montreal in observance of the International Day of Peace on Sept. 23, 2013. A presentation included some background on the history of the Day of Peace as well as UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's words on this occasion.
Explaining UPF's Core Principles in Toronto
Toronto, Canada - Rev. Mitch Dixon spoke at a September 14 meeting of Ambassadors for Peace about the core principles of Universal Peace Federation, which are the concept of one family under God, spiritual connectivity which enhances moral values within humans, the cohesive values within families, living for the sake of others, and striving to build and continually maintain peace through cooperation among people.
Toronto Interfaith Forum: Human History and Contemporary Challenges
Toronto, Canada – UPF organized a talk on Human History and Contemporary Challenges by Dr. Gerald Filson, Director of Public Affairs of the Baha’i community in Canada, on July 6.
Canadian Ambassador for Peace Promotes Interreligious Respect
One of the Dutch producers behind Fitna, an anti-Islam film that caused worldwide outrage from Muslims, Arnoud Van Doorn, decided to investigate more about Islam when he saw the outrage caused by the 2008 film made by DutchparliamentarianGeert Wilders. “For me, Islam was a violent religion that oppressed women and was no good for society,” Van Doorn said. He began to realize that his views of Islam had been based on negative images in the media.
The Many Faces of UPF Explored in Montreal
Montreal, Canada - At a gathering of some 40 Ambassadors for Peace on April 22, Montreal was graced with the visit of Mrs. Joy Pople, Director of Publications for UPF International.
Videos Shown at Toronto Ambassadors for Peace Meeting
Toronto, Canada - The monthly UPF meeting of Ambassadors for Peace in the Toronto area was convened by Rev. Mitch Dixon on April 13. Two videos were shown: the 2012 Horizon Rogers Cable TV "Multifaith" show about UPF and the 2013 show on "Spiritual Maturity."
Toronto Women Focus on Standing Up to Violence
Toronto, Canada - "Women Standing Up to Violence: Finding Ways through with Hope and Connections" was the theme of a conference in Toronto on March 23.
How Local Interreligious Cooperation Can Contribute to a Culture of Peace
Montreal, Canada - UPF and a borough-level council of religious leaders held a meeting at Noor Al Islam Mosque in Montreal on March 18, 2013.