The Manitoba Multifaith Council expresses deep sorrow for the tragic loss of innocent lives in the Israel-Hamas conflict. As a community of diverse faiths, we come together to denounce violence and hatred, and pledge to collaborate towards building a society that is fair and compassionate. In these times of heightened tensions across the globe, we stand in solidarity against all forms of discrimination, including racism, antisemitism, and Islamophobia. We firmly believe in the fundamental rights of freedom and safety for both Israelis and Palestinians.
“The Manitoba Multifaith Council condemns the terrorist attacks against Israel and the targeting of civilians. We affirm Israel’s right to self-defence in response to the unprecedented violence.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been affected by these acts of terrorism, that those who are missing are soon returned to their loved ones, and we pray for a future in which dialogue replaces violence and peace is attainable.”
Statement from the Manitoba Multifaith Council February 26, 2022
The Manitoba Multifaith Council is deeply saddened and concerned by the unconscionable attack on Ukraine by Russian military forces. We stand in solidarity with Ukraine as well as the local Ukrainian Canadian community. We pray that the bloodshed and loss of life will cease. We pray for the children who are being uprooted from their homes and forced to flee as refugees. We also pray that international leaders will be granted wisdom and courage to bring peace in our time once again. May we all be instruments of peace.
We urge Manitobans to support humanitarian efforts on the ground in Ukraine by donating to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation’s Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. For more information, please visit: www.cufoundation.ca/
Statement from the Manitoba Multifaith Council January 31, 2022
The use of the Nazi flags, the swastikas, the yellow star at the truck convoy protesting the current health measures make an absolute mockery of the experiences of the victims of the Nazis and of all those murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators: six million Jews, including a million and a half children, the Roma, who were also targeted for genocide, the mentally and physically disabled, Slavs, gay men, Jehovah’s Witnesses, political opponents, and some “dissident” members of the clergy. All because they did not fit the worldview of the Nazis and their collaborators.
The Confederate flags and the appropriation of the “Every Child Matters” slogan further illustrate the depths to which some of the participants in the convoy will stoop. With that, there have been many memes, messages, and conspiracy theories that are clearly affiliated with the white supremacist movement. Then of course, there is the desecration of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier – a symbol of the sacrifices made so that we may live in freedom, and the memorial to Terry Fox. All this, two days after International Holocaust Remembrance Day and on the anniversary of the murderous attack on the mosque in Quebec City. The organizers have a responsibility to condemn these hateful symbols. All people of faith or no faith should be standing up to oppose these worrisome developments.
Statement from the Manitoba Multifaith Council June 10, 2021
The Manitoba Multifaith Council’s vision is one of people of diverse faiths working together to build a just and caring society. We exist to promote multifaith dialogue and understanding, while collaborating to serve the community as a whole. For more than half a century, we have worked together to make this vision a reality. Our shared foundational belief is that every human being is created in the image of our Creator and of equal and infinite value.
However, the last month has brought wave upon wave of tragedy and loss into our lives. Once again, violence consumed Israel and Gaza and hateful invective and even violence spilled over onto Canadian streets.
The devastating discovery of the remains of 215 Indigenous children on the grounds of the former Indian Residential School in Kamloops reminded us of the unbearable extent of suffering that generations of our Indigenous Peoples endured and our country’s failure to respond to so many of the Calls for Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Most recently, we were shocked to learn of the horrific and targeted attack on a Muslim family in London, Ontario and we mourn together as a nation. It is unimaginable that such hatred exists in this Canada– a tapestry of faiths, traditions, and many cultures. Sadly, even in the midst of our grief, there are those who seek to further divide us spreading false conspiracy myths. Such speech will only widen the gap between our communities by promoting divisiveness particularly now, when we should instead be standing shoulder to shoulder, unified in our rejection of hate.
The Manitoba Multifaith Council asks all Canadians to join us in addressing the deep, systemic roots of hate and ignorance that underlie Islamophobia, antisemitism, racism, and homophobia. We long to see the day when love, understanding, and respect for one another will prevail, replacing hateful and divisive trends. Let us stand united in our resolve to mend this broken country.
Statement of the Manitoba Multifaith Council regarding the discovery of the remains of 215 Indigenous children in Kamloops
The Manitoba Multifaith Council is devastated by the recent discovery of the remains of 215 Indigenous children on the grounds of the Kamloops Residential School. Our thoughts are with the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation, the bereaved families who for so many years have held out hope that their children were alive, albeit lost to them. We are further saddened by the certainty that more hidden graves will be found throughout Canada including our home province of Manitoba. For far too long, we who are guests on these lands, have taught a false narrative of our history to generation after generation of Canadians that ignored the genocide committed against our Indigenous peoples.
We cannot even imagine the pain of parents and children whose lives were destroyed. The discovery in Kamloops reminds us of the legacy of intergenerational trauma that is the result of the genocidal cruelty inflicted on our Indigenous brothers and sisters.
The Manitoba Multifaith Council is united in our unequivocal support for the Calls to Action made by the National Commission for Truth and Reconciliation. We have a responsibility to do all we can to foster reconciliation and to firmly condemn the systemic racism that continues to be a stain upon our country.
We acknowledge that the Jewish Heritage Centre is located on original lands of Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene peoples, and on the homeland of the Métis Nation. We respect the Treaties that were made on these territories, we acknowledge the harms and mistakes of the past, and we dedicate ourselves to move forward in partnership with Indigenous communities in a spirit of reconciliation and collaboration.
