Religious Freedom Symposium Brings Together Faith and Community Leaders in Lethbridge

On September 21, 2024, a symposium on religious freedom brought together faith and community leaders in Lethbridge, Alberta, at the Southminster United Church. The event, which drew an audience of about 100 people, focused on the theme, “Can religious freedom be a force for unity in society?”

Keynote speakers included Rev. Dr. Andrew Bennett, director of the faith communities program at Cardus; Bruce Clemenger, president emeritus of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada; and Steve Collis, a law professor from the University of Texas.

The symposium, organized by Lethbridge Friends of Religious Freedom, featured a diverse range of faith leaders and community representatives, including Lethbridge Mayor Blaine Hyggen, MLA Nathan Neudorf, and MLA Grant Hunter. The organizing committee, representing various denominations, aimed to foster dialogue among people of different faiths and promote religious freedom. Committee members included Pastor Bill Zwartbol of Free Grace Fellowship, Pastor Scott Cyre of King of Kings Fellowship, Catholic lawyer David Cavilla, and Richard Low, communication director for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Lethbridge.

Bruce Clemenger opened the event with a presentation titled “Religious Freedom, Political Creeds, and Limited Governments.” He argued that while governments often claim neutrality on religious matters, they are frequently biased toward secularism, as evidenced by the removal of religious symbols and practices. Clemenger suggested that governments should instead acknowledge the positive role religion plays in Canadian society. He emphasized that true freedom and equality are found in political systems that protect individuals from interference and guarantee their equal status.

Steve Collis addressed the topic “Religious Freedom and Peacemaking in a Polarized Age.” He highlighted the essential role religion plays in fostering charity, understanding, and peace. While religion is often blamed for conflicts, Collis argued that true religious freedom promotes respect and celebration of differing beliefs. When asked how individuals can support religious freedom, Collis urged people to highlight the good works of other religious communities to foster broader understanding and appreciation.

Rev. Dr. Andrew Bennett presented findings from recent studies conducted by Cardus, discussing how Canadians engage with religion and the implications for religious freedom. He noted a general decline in religious participation but pointed to a growing interest in religious devotion among Canadians aged 18 to 35. Bennett encouraged people of faith to take an active role in defending religious freedom as secularism continues to rise.

The symposium also featured interfaith panel discussions with local leaders addressing religious freedom issues. Panellists included Ramona Big Head, an Indigenous spiritual leader and member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Dr. Atif Khalil, a Muslim scholar from the University of Lethbridge; Rev. Kevin Tumback, a Roman Catholic priest; Diana Sim, a Christian theologian; Archbishop Daniel Zopoula of the Miz City Church; Zach Hampton, a local Catholic activist; Erin Leclerc, an evangelical Christian activist; Marc Slingerland, principal of Calvin Christian School; and Elder David C. Stewart of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The symposium can be viewed online through the Lethbridge Friends of Religious Freedom’s Facebook page.