As Canadians consider the upcoming federal election on April 28, the question of how to deal with President Donald Trump’s tariffs and threats to annex Canada has become the central focus. But other important issues like housing, affordability, and the environment that have been overshadowed still require voters and politicians’ attention.
All Saints’ Anglican Church in Westboro, First United Church, and Citizens for Public Justice have teamed up to create a pre-election discussion on April 5 and are inviting anyone who is interested to come together in community for shared learning and conversation. The event will include a moderated panel and table group discussions. They will explore prevalent narratives and relevant evidence around key election issues and political engagement in general, considering how people of faith can work together for justice and mutual flourishing.
The Rev. Chung Yan Lam, associate Incumbent at All Saints’, said she was concerned that Canada was not immune to the same rhetoric and ideas that have led to drastic policy changes in the United States. “There are the same groups who are vocalizing views against diversity, equity, and inclusion, encouraging similar attitudes to “remove the garbage from our streets” when talking about homelessness and encampments, as well as people who are self-medicating and are need of mental health support.”
In conversations with parishioners, she said it seemed they would really appreciate a conversation about how faith and politics intersect, especially for the upcoming federal election. “We would like to know what issues are at the forefront of this election — beyond how to deal with the American administration, the economy and taxes. We would like to know how to speak to the issues with our MPs and representatives. It’s about faithful engagement with politics and to speak to the issues from our faith,” Lam told Perspective.
And so the idea for Faithful Election Conversations came together as an ecumenical event supported by both All Saints’ Anglican Church and First United, who already share their church building home. Panelists will be from Citizens for Public Justice, an organization of members who are inspired by faith to advocate for social and environmental justice in Canadian public policy.
Lam said, “Perhaps it is an occasion to remind ourselves of our civic duties to vote [according to] our conscience and … faith in a God of justice, God of compassion, and a God who calls us to ‘seek justice, love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God.’ Sanctuaries are not for us to find refuge for ourselves. Sanctuaries are powerful spaces where we encounter God and are launched into the world for the mission of God. I am hoping to use this occasion to reignite the powerful voices of the church calling the communities around us to manifest justice.”
She added that a federal finance committee proposal to remove tax exempt status from religious advancement activities is another reason for people of faith to be involved and ensure that the many ways they serve their communities are known.
The event will be held at All Saints’ Anglican Church Westboro at 3 pm on Saturday, April 5. Register at: https://FaithfulElectionCPJ.Eventbrite.ca
Saint John, Innisville — Deanery of the Southwest