On March 19, we welcomed the Conseil de leaders interreligieux de Montréal-Nord (Montreal North Interreligious Leaders Council), who spoke about the council and their activities to date. Nearly 40 people attended. As the presentation was in French, Anthony Mansour, director of the Canadian Centre for Ecumenism, graciously translated into English.
The presenters were Pasteur Joseph St-Elme Valcin (Pentecostal), Imam M A Chraibi (Muslim) and Mme Irène Sauren (wife of a deceased evangelical pastor). Isabelle Laurin, secretary, also spoke about the vision of the Conseil and was applauded for her tremendous investment of time and energy in support of the group. Father A Vaillancourt, unfortunately unable to attend due to Holy Week responsibilities, sent a letter which was read to the gathering. Among other activities, the Conseil has given three public presentations about various faith topics and is preparing for the fourth in April.
The Conseil is a good model for other communities because they have been able to bring local political leaders into the discussion of the importance of religious values in community life, particularly in guiding youth and families. A second local council has already been formed, and we hope others will follow in the near future in the Montreal area and beyond.