"Hope, Gratitude and Solidarity: A Message to Canadians from Religious Leaders in Canada in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic"

"Canadians are experiencing the devastating impact of COVID-19 in what has become a rapidly evolving crisis. Understandably,this crisis has brought about feelings of anxiety, apprehension and fear. Critical elements of our daily lives are being thrown into uncertainty: health, employment, financial security, recreational activities, as well as our ability to gather as worshiping communities. In view of these difficulties, we as religious leaders wish to bring forward a message of hope, gratitude and solidarity to all people who call Canada home.

A Message of Hope We draw hope from a variety of sources: from our religious beliefs, the love of our families, the rela- tionships with friends and the work we do. Each of these, and others as well, provides rays of hope to our daily lives. Likewise, hope provides cour- age to face the burdens we bear and the ability to look onwards toward the dawning of a new day. In spite of present sufferings, which can seem overwhelming at times, the flames of hope cannot be extinguished. Love, which gives life its fullest meaning, continues to seek out the common good in spite of individual difficulties. Acts of kindness can bring us closer in spirit, despite the require- ments of physical distancing. Let us witness hope to each other and so become beacons of light dur- ing these uncertain times. Canada has gone through several difficult and painful experiences in its history. When current and former generations have responded to these challenges, many were empowered by unwaver- ing hope as well as human and spiritual resilience. For religious believers, this hope takes on a special We draw hope from a variety of sources: from our religious beliefs, the love of our families, the relationships with friends and the work we do. Each of these, and others as well, provides rays of hope to our daily lives. and unique dimension. It assures us of the caring embrace of the Creator, a sacred relationship sus- tained by prayer, and which flows into our human relationships whereby we care for one another and bear each other’s burden. Yet, hope brings for everyone a promise of renewal, even in the midst of human suffering. Hope assures us that this affliction too shall pass.

A Message of Gratitude During this time of crisis, we as religious leaders wish to offer words of appreciation and grati- tude. Health care professionals are providing unfailing and dedicated service under stressful and difficult circumstances. They provide for us a powerful witness of care, expertise and service in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. There is also the increased risk of exposure to infec- tion along with other hardships being experi- enced by so many others. For instance, while the rest of society rightly heeds the precautions of physical distancing, many remain at work in grocery stores, pharmacies and factories. Students, the middle-aged, and those close to retirement are fulfilling a variety of essential front-line jobs in the supply chain, ensuring that stores remain open, shelves remain stocked, and goods are delivered so that others can have food, medicines and other essentials for their families and communities. We express a deep appreciation and gratitude for these workers. As religious leaders, we raise our collective voices to highlight the necessity for greater attention to the needs of the homeless, the incarcerated, the elderly and those already suffering from social isolation. Governments across Canada as well as religious leaders are bearing particularly heavy burdens in steering our communities through this calamity. It is comforting to see that in such demanding times, political differences are being set aside to serve the common good. This too is a witness of hope for Canadians. For all these acts of generos- ity and dedication, let us add our expressions of gratitude for the important work of the diverse leaders of our country. A Message of Solidarity We urge all people in Canada to listen and follow attentively the directions of our public health officials and government leaders. We, as religious leaders, pledge to lead by example. We all must act together in confronting this virus. While everyone is vulnerable during this crisis, let us not forget those in our society who, prior to COVID-19, were already vulnerable to health and social ailments. As religious leaders, we raise our collective voices to highlight the necessity for greater attention to the needs of

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Hope, Gratitude
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the homeless, the incarcerated, the elderly and those already suffering from social isolation.
We remember too those people, especially women and children who face abuse and violence, who are not safe at home and may suffer additional abuse and violence as stress increases. We must never overlook or exclude these groups from our plan- ning, preparedness and response to this pandemic. We are particularly mindful of First Nations,
Métis and Inuit communities, including isolated Northern communities, who were already facing pre-existing challenges and for whom the COVID- 19 outbreak could prove singularly devastating. Likewise, we need to remember the needs and vulnerabilities of the many refugees and migrant workers who have come to Canada seeking safety and security.
Charitable organizations in Canada will face greater challenges during this time of crisis and will need greater assistance from governments so as to continue their vital work. This is a time for human solidarity. We all need to pull together. It is essential to carry out the practical requirements to limit the spread of this virus. It is also important to maintain a posture of attentive caring towards our

This is a time for human solidarity.
We all need to pull together.
neighbour. This includes care and solidarity for the global community who face this crisis with far fewer resources than those accessible to Canada. This is a time for us to draw closer to God.
Religion and spirituality can indeed contribute to building people up, to providing a sense of meaning, inner strength, new horizons and openness of hearts. As religious leaders, we wish to emphasize, especially in times like these, the power and importance of prayer. We earnestly pray for healing, for the continued efforts to relieve human suffering, and for perseverance throughout these challenging times. As history records these moments for our country’s future,

let us pray that, in the face of COVID-19, we respond with an abundance of hope, gratitude and solidarity, trusting in the loving and ever merciful God, the source of all hope. 

Let us pray that, in the face of COVID-19, we respond with an abundance of hope, gratitude and solidarity, trusting in the loving and ever merciful
God, the source of all hope"

Signed, Religious Leaders Rev. Kenesha Blake-Newell Rev. Kenesha Blake-Newell Itinerant Elder (Grant AME) African Methodist Episcopal Church Farhan Iqbal Farhan Iqbal Missionary Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Canada Rev. Shane B. Janzen Rev. Shane B. Janzen Archbishop The Anglican Catholic Church of Canada The Most Rev. Linda Nicholls The Most Rev. Linda Nicholls Archbishop and Primate The Anglican Church of Canada Rev. Fr. John Benjamin Vic Paradero, OMHS Rev. Fr. Jose Mark John Jamili, OMHS Kevin Schular Kevin Schular Executive Director Baptist General Conference of Canada Charles Mashinter Charles Mashinter Executive Director Be In Christ Church – Canada Lee Nicholas-Pattillo Lee Nicholas-Pattillo President Canadian Association for Baptist Freedoms MGen Guy J.J. Chapdelaine, OMM, CD, QHC MGen Guy J.J. Chapdelaine, OMM, CD, QHC Chaplain General Canadian Armed Forces Rev. Dr. Terry G. Smith Rev. Dr. Terry G. Smith Executive Director Canadian Baptist Ministries Dr. Peter Reid Dr. Peter Reid Executive Minister Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada Rev. Tim McCoy Rev. Tim McCoy Executive Minister Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec Rev. Rob Ogilvie Rev. Rob Ogilvie Executive Minister Canadian Baptists of Western Canada Rev. Fr. John Benjamin Vic Paradero, OMHS Rev. Fr. Jose Mark John Jamili, OMHS Apostolic Catholic Church of Canada Rev. Wesley E. Mills Rev. Wesley E. Mills President Apostolic Church of Pentecost of Canada, Inc. His Grace Bishop Abgar Hovakimyan His Grace Bishop Abgar Hovakimyan Primate Armenian Holy Apostolic Church Diocese of Canada Mobeen Khaja, O Ont. Mobeen Khaja, O Ont. President Association of Progressive Muslims of Canada

Religious Leaders (continued) Dr. Adriana Bara Dr. Adriana Bara Executive Director Canadian Centre for Ecumenism +Richard Gagnon +Richard Gagnon Archbishop of Winnipeg, President Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops Elton Da Silva Elton Da Silva Zul Kassamali Aileen Van Ginkel Zul Kassamali, Co-chair Aileen Van Ginkel, Co-chair Canadian Interfaith Conversation Rabbi Reuven Poupko Rabbi Baruch Friedman-Kohl Rabbi Debra Landsberg Rabbi Jonathan Infeld Rabbi Reuven Poupko Rabbi Baruch Friedman-Kohl Rabbi Debra Landsberg Rabbi Jonathan Infeld Co-chairs Canadian Rabbinic Caucus, an affiliate of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs Beverly Shepard Beverly Shepard Presiding Clerk Canadian Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) Rev. Dr. David Hearn Rev. Dr. David Hearn President The Christian and Missionary Alliance in Canada Rev. Ann Stainton Rev. Ann Stainton Moderator Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Canada The Rev Dr. Darren Roorda The Rev Dr. Darren Roorda Canadian Ministries Director Christian Reformed Church in North America National Director Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches Rev. Stephen Kendall, Pastor Peter Noteboom Rev. Stephen Kendall, President Pastor Peter Noteboom, General Secretary The Canadian Council of Churches Imam Mohamed Refaat Abo Onar Imam Mohamed Refaat Abo Onar President Canadian Council of Imams Nina Karachi-Khaled Nina Karachi-Khaled President of the National Board Canadian Council of Muslim Women Rev. David McGrew Rev. David McGrew National Director Canadian Fellowship of Churches and Ministers Pandit Roopnauth Sharma Pandit Roopnauth Sharma President Canadian Multifaith Federation

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Religious Leaders (continued) Michel J. Carter John N. Craig James E. Evanson Michael R. Murray Elder Michel J. Carter Elder John N. Craig Elder James E. Evanson Elder Michael R. Murray Area Seventies The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Rev. Dr. Ian Fitzpatrick Rev. Dr. Ian Fitzpatrick National Director Church of the Nazarene Canada Kerry Richards Kerry Richards President, Canada East Community of Christ Rabbi Reuven P. Bulka, CM, Ph.D Rabbi Reuven P. Bulka, CM, Ph.D Rabbi Emeritus and spiritual leader Congregation Machzikei Hadas, Ottawa Rev. Dr. David Schrader Rev. Dr. David Schrader National Pastor Congregational Christian Churches in Canada Netta Phillet Netta Phillet Coordinator Edmonton Interfaith Centre for Education & Action H.G. Anba Mina H.G. Anba Makar HG Abba Boulos H.G. Anba Mina Bishop Mississauga, Vancouver and Western Canada H.G. Anba Makar Bishop of Goshen, Egypt; Papal Vicar in the Archdiocese of Toronto H.G Abba Boulos Bishop of Ottawa, Montreal, and Eastern Canada The Coptic Orthodox Church in Canada L.K. (Rev. Fr.) Messale Engeda L.K. (Rev. Fr.) Messale Engeda Head priest and Administrator Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church of Canada Dr. David P. Lavigne Dr. David P. Lavigne Bishop The Evangelical Christian Church in Canada Bruce J. Clemenger Bruce J. Clemenger President The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada Dr. William Taylor Dr. William Taylor Executive Director Evangelical Free Church of Canada The Rev. Susan C. Johnson The Rev. Susan C. Johnson National Bishop Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada

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Religious Leaders (continued) Tim Dyck Tim Dyck Executive Director Evangelical Mennonite Conference Rev. Steven F. Jones Rev. Steven F. Jones National President The Fellowship of Evangelical Baptist Churches in Canada Steve Falkiner Steve Falkiner President Foursquare Gospel Church of Canada Bill Hall Bill Hall President Grace Communion International Canada Philip Bryant Philip Bryant Executive Director Grace Fellowship Canada His Eminence Archbishop Sotirios His Eminence Archbishop Sotirios Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada Pandit Roopnauth Sharma Pandit Roopnauth Sharma President Hindu Federation of Canada Rev. Paul McPhail Rev. Paul McPhail General Secretary Independent Assemblies of God International Canada Dr. Ronald A. Kuipers Dr. Ronald A. Kuipers President Institute for Christian Studies Halil Yurtsever Halil Yurtsever Intercultural Dialogue Institute Brian A. Hawes Brian A. Hawes President Interfaith Committee on Chaplaincy in the Correctional Service of Canada Imam Ilyas Sidyot Imam Ilyas Sidyot Grand Mosque of Saskatoon Islamic Association of Saskatchewan (Saskatoon) Inc. Jennifer Henry Jennifer Henry Executive Director KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives Naj Mankal Naj Mankal President Islamic Centre of Southwest Ontario Imam Zubair Sidyot Imam Zubair Sidyot Lethbridge Muslim Association (Alberta) Belle Jarniewski Belle Jarniewski President Manitoba Multifaith Council

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Religious Leaders (continued) Rev. Dr. Isaac Mar Philoxenos Episcopa Rev. Dr. Isaac Mar Philoxenos Episcopa Bishop, Diocese of North America And Europe Mar Thoma Syrian Church Doug Klassen Doug Klassen Executive Minister Mennonite Church Canada Zul Kassamali Zul Kassamali President National Alliance for the Advancement of Pluralistic Society Muneeb Nasir Muneeb Nasir Co-Chair National Muslim Christian Liaison Committee His Eminence, Archbishop Irénée His Eminence, Archbishop Irénée Archbishop of Ottawa and Canada and the Archdiocese of Canada Orthodox Church in America Rev. Dr. David R. Wells Rev. Dr. David R. Wells General Superintendent The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada Rev. Terry W. Snow Rev. Terry W. Snow Imam Irshad Unia Imam Irshad Unia Prince Albert Muslim Association (Saskatchewan) The Rev. Marijke Strong The Rev. Marijke Strong Executive Secretary Regional Synod of Canada Reformed Church in America Pascale Frémond Pascale Frémond President Religions for Peace Canada Commissioner Floyd J. Tidd Commissioner Floyd J. Tidd Territorial Commander The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory The Most Rev.Zenji Nio The Most Rev. Zenji Nio Abbot, Samurai Buddhist Temple & Museum Tokyo, Japan & Bay Street Corridor, Toronto Rabbi David Seed Rabbi David Seed President Toronto Board of Rabbis The Most Reverend Lawrence Huculak, O.S.B.M. The Most Reverend Lawrence Huculak, O.S.B.M. Metropolitan Archbishop of Winnipeg for Ukrainian Catholics in Canada General Superintendent Pentecostal Assemblies of Newfoundland & Labrador The Rev. Amanda Currie The Rev. Amanda Currie Moderator The Presbyterian Church in Canada

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Religious Leaders (continued) His Eminence, The Most Rev. Metropolitan Yurij (Kalistchuk) His Eminence, The Most Rev. Metropolitan Yurij (Kalistchuk) Archbishop of Winnipeg and the Central Eparchy Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada Rev. David Rowley Rev. David Rowley General Secretary The Union of French Baptist Churches in Canada Rev. Brian K. Magnus Rev. Brian K. Magnus Bishop The United Brethren Church in Canada The Right Rev. Richard Bott Nora Sanders The Right Rev. Richard Bott, Moderator Nora Sanders, General Secretary The United Church of Canada David Ruis David Ruis National Director Vineyard Canada Pastor Mike Stone Pastor Mike Stone Executive Director Vision Ministries Canada Rev. Dr. Eric R. Hallett Rev. Dr. Eric R. Hallett District Superintendent, Central Canada District The Wesleyan Church Venerable Dr. Bhante Saranapala Venerable Dr. Bhante Saranapala West End Buddhist Temple and Meditation Centre Jaskaran Singh Sandhu Jaskaran Singh Sandhu Executive Director World Sikh Organization of Canada Code: 185-140 Legal Deposit: Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa Creative Commons License: Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) ISBN: 978-0-88997-874-4

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Spiritual Care Resources for Religious Holidays e-book

Spiritual Care resources for religious holidays free e-book

Hi all!

Have a look at the free e-book by clicking on the link above.

There are some really interesting learnings there (okay, for me there were). Note that it is American based and may not be your usual practice but there may be some ponderings in there.

Be well.
Ann V-D