Dear friends,
On behalf of the Manitoba Multifaith Council, I am pleased to invite you to the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for the Advancement of Interreligious Understanding.
This year’s recipient, is journalist John Longhurst, a journalist with the Winnipeg Free Press. Normally, this event is presented in person each year at Government House. However, due to COVID-19, the Manitoba Multifaith Council is hosting a virtual event on behalf of the Lieutenant Governor.
The event can be viewed by registering at this link and will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 16 at 7 p.m.
This year’s recipient is Winnipeg Free Press journalist, John Longhurst. John has been a Winnipeg Free Press Faith Page columnist since 2003. Today, it is the only Faith page remaining in Canada. Much of the credit for its continued existence can be attributed to an initiative by John and the Winnipeg Free Press: In March 2019, John reached out to faith groups across Winnipeg in a bid to help provide financial support in order to preserve news reporting on Faith communities. Some 17 faith-based groups have now lent their support to the project. This has meant that John’s reports are no longer limited to the Saturday edition of the paper. Through this initiative, Winnipeg Free Press readers have learned more about the activities and contributions of faith groups. As well, it has increased attendance at events presented by these communities. In consequence, the diverse audiences at these events fostered dialogue and understanding. However, it is particularly during the time of COVID-19 that John’s work has been particularly prominent, appreciated, and helpful. John has written extensively on the response of faith groups and the “pivot” that so many have had to make in these challenging times, as well as noting the COVID stories that have shone a light on the generosity of Winnipeg faith communities without shying away from writing about the thankfully rare examples where groups have behaved in ways that have endangered others. He has also encouraged Manitobans to support our front-line workers.
As the only daily newspaper in Canada with reporters dedicated to covering religion, the Free Press is in the unique position of being able to document, on a weekly basis, the impact of COVID-19 on the faith community, along with the response of people of faith to it. And that is in large part due to John’s vision and commitment who saw the importance of this subject in the life of Manitobans.
“In this province where we so proudly embrace multiculturalism, Mr. Longhurst’s vision, passion and commitment to bring voices from our diverse religious and cultural communities together, truly exemplifies the spirit of this award,” said Lt.-Gov. Janice C. Filmon. “It will be my pleasure to formally recognize Mr. Longhurst for his work in building harmony and understanding in our province, our country, our world.”
For decades, Longhurst has served as an advocate and chronicler in the fields of Christian ecumenism, and interreligious dialogue and understanding. Most of his engagement over the course of his career has been avocational: a labour of love. The breadth of vision attained through his international work has opened his heart and mind to diversity in such a way as to make him a champion for the interfaith enterprise in Manitoba and across Canada. He is committed to a ‘level playing field’ for religious expression and religious freedom.
He has been a Faith Page columnist with the Winnipeg Free Press since 2003 and his continued work gives him the unique position of being able to document, on a weekly basis, the impact of COVID-19 on the faith community, along with the response of people of faith to it.
The Lieutenant Governor’s Award for the Advancement of Interreligious Understanding is traditionally presented each year at a ceremony at Government House, most often to an individual, who best embodies understanding between all religious groups.
Please feel free to forward this invitation widely,
Warm regards and hope to see you (virtually) on February 16,
Belle Jarniewski
Past-President, Manitoba Multifaith Council