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Multifaith Forum
Faith Communities and Advocacy with Governments
Thursday, October 29, at the Paul Martin Centre at Wilfred Laurier University, Waterloo
 ISARC Multifaith Forum on Faith
Communities and Advocacy with Governments,
October 29, Waterloo - by Karen
Kuhnert
Karen is a
pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and a graduate of Waterloo
Lutheran Seminary. Karen was born and raised in northern Alberta
and spent seven years in Inuvik, NWT, before moving to Waterloo,
Ontario.
Photos of the day
ISARC’s Multifaith Forum, on the topic of advocacy with
governments from different faith perspectives, drew a group of engaged people
to the Wilfred Laurier University campus on October 29.
Participants heard from panelists Idrisa Pandit, Muslim
Social Services of Kitchener Waterloo; Deba Mitra Bhikku, Buddhist monk,
Phommaviharam Buddhist Temple, Kitchener; The Rev. Jessica P. Rodela, First
Unitarian Church, Kitchener; and, The Rev. Dr. David Pfrimmer, Principal and
Dean of Waterloo Lutheran Seminary. Brice Balmer, ISARC Director, moderated the
event.
David Pfrimmer began by setting out a framework for
understanding Christian and faith-based advocacy within the historical Canadian
context. He pointed out that advocacy helps keep the public commons open for collective decisions that support the common good, rather than the personal or private interests of
individuals, corporations, governments and
non-governmental organizations. He went on to say that in every era of
our nation's story (from nation-state to national corporation to Canada as
community) churches and faith-based groups have been influential. Some
politicians have even said participation is a responsibility that goes with the enjoyment of religious
rights. Ethicists have argued that not
participating is “abdicating moral agency” and thereby undermining the public
good.
Jessica Rodela spoke to the specific theological and
logistical challenges and opportunities for advocacy by
Unitarian-Universalists. Unitarian-Universalists do not confess a common creed
but are committed to working for the good of people in the local community in
whatever beliefs they authentically hold. This gets extended to ever-larger
group efforts for common justice. She explained that since “the personal” and
“the political” are inextricably linked, working for the advancement of people
and politics is a form worship, prayer, and praise.
Idrisa Pandit reframed the notion of perceived Islamic
positions on specific political issues. She reminded the audience that Muslims
come from diverse ethno-cultural realities, which, as is true for all citizens,
shapes political understandings and guides actions. So there are a variety of
Islamic positions on different issues. She then outlined a number of
root-causes and reasons why Muslim newcomers to Canada tend to avoid political
engagement, the primary being not feeling as if it is a safe to engage in this
way. From her experience, doing hands-on social services work with people in
her community and advocacy at government levels is as essential as worship and
prayer. Her challenge, despite the fears, is to lift up the need for justice
work among men and women in her community.
Deba Mitra Bhikku provided insight into Buddhist
understandings of government and personal engagement in political action. He
explained the Buddhist notion of the Wheel of Righteousness – that the
government must be committed to just principals of governance and others must
ensure that the government remains committed. Inspired by the notion of the
“Wheel“, participants encouraged each other to frame advocacy not only in terms
of "what we are against” and “what should be” but also in terms of “what
we’re for” and “what could be”.
After lunch, participants and panelists discussed the
challenges of advocacy for faith communities. It was observed that
politicians often make assumptions about faith-based groups, presuming their
concerns are just confined to “traditional” moral matters and not issues like
poverty or the environment. Faith communities, through patience and
persistence, need to let elected officials know that we offer deep resources
and alternative solutions for the sake of the public good.
Much good could come from visiting politicians together,
getting to know each other and clarifying assumptions. This would serve both
the pastoral as well as prophetic calling of our faith communities.
ISARC’s Prayer Vigil at Queen’s Park in March was held up
as an example of this. It advanced relationships between members of different
faith traditions and between faith communities and provincial politicians.
ISARC’s plans for another Social Audit next Spring was seen as another example.
Because of its connections within Ontario faith communities, ISARC brings a
wealth of expertise, analytical talent, and connections that will allow it to make
a significant and unique contribution to the reduction of poverty in Ontario.
Participants concluded that our faith communities have
deep resources and gifts to “expect something different”, to change what is
considered normal and not to accept the continued increase in use of food
banks, falling wages and benefits, and the growing gap between the rich and
poor in our Province.
Photos of the day
 
     
  
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