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The Canadian Council of Christians and Jews - Alberta Region
and
The Centre for Diversity Education and Training - Toronto

A Fall Trialogue

The CCCJ 's (Canadian Council of Christians and Jews-Alberta) mission to eradicate discrimination, prejudice and bigotry in Canadian society through education, research, communication and community building was evident throughout the Fall Trialogue hosted on October 29, with speakers Rabbi Zev Friedman, Imam Hamid Slimi and Rev.Clinton Mooney.

Rabbi Friedman spoke about his gratitude for the Canadian government's stand on the freedom to practice one's religion in this country. He claimed that he cannot truly bring honor to his religion by attempting to articulate his faith with words. "There is deeper meaning behind my beliefs than I can explain," he said. "Society at large does not share what I believe... But we must keep our faith, no matter what." He affirmed that his religion is a viable, reliable system that stresses the importance of charity.

Iman Hamid Slimi stated that the main values within his Muslim belief are justice and respect. "We need to teach respect that is a vital thing. Love is not achieved without respect," he said. He stressed that God is about faith, not religion. Religion, he suggested, is the interpretation of man, which has caused lots of disagreement. We need to trust in God and live with purpose. He explained that when Muslims are called to prayer, they pray for guidance to stay on a straight path, keep their hearts clean and pure and obtain peace with God and mankind.

Rev. Clinton Mooney emphasized the importance of expressing one's Christian faith by embracing an attitude of thankfulness and by demonstrating the core value of humility. When speaking about God's commandment to love thy neighbors as thyself, he wondered aloud about whom we view as our neighbors. He stated that Christianity is unique because there is no holy language or place. For example, when the disciples spoke at Pentecost, each person heard in his own language and then went to their respective lands. He pointed out that, as Joseph did when he was in Egypt, Christians should be able to live and practice their faith anywhere.

All three speakers agreed that one can turn to the Torah, Qu 'ran or Bible to find ethical principles and that people of different belief systems should be free to practice their own faith, in their own way, with love and respect.