Highlights of 2017 Events

We invite you to review a sampling of the significant events reported in 2017 on MormonNewsroom.ca, an official site for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Canada.

Mormons Join Conference to Explore Religion and Citizenship at Canada’s 150th

Ottawa, Ontario - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was a conversation sponsor and participant of the third Our Whole Society conference held May 8–9, 2017, in Ottawa. This conference brought together representatives from religious and secular organizations across Canada to explore the theme “Religion and Citizenship at Canada’s 150th Anniversary of Confederation.

Halifax, Nova Scotia - Mormons Share Hugs and Hospitality During Interfaith Harmony Week

Halifax, Nova Scotia - Hundreds of people joined hands to form a “human hug” around the Ummah Mosque in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the first week of February 2017. During the half-hour vigil, participants extended unity, love and protection to their Muslim neighbours, expressing support for the constitutional right to exercise freedom of religion in peace.

Mormons Seek Truth and Reconciliation Through First Nations Events

Langley, British Columbia - On Saturday, June 10, 2017, First Nations food, music and dancing could be found in a welcoming place — a Mormon meetinghouse. This celebration of culture was one of two events held in Langley, British Columbia, hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in conjunction with the Surrey and Abbotsford Interfaith Councils.  The two events, the academic lectures and the cultural event, sought to enlighten the community on matters pertaining to the findings of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).

Mormons Join Interfaith Groups to Support Habitat for Humanity

Calgary, Alberta - Building Sacred Bridges: An Interfaith Musical Experience” welcomed audiences to Knox United Church and the Beth Tzedec Congregation in Calgary, Alberta for two concerts marking the end of World Interfaith Harmony Week. The event supported the Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta initiative to build homes for local families in need of affordable housing.

Mormons Celebrate Canada’s 150th Birthday by Giving Back

Kingston, Ontario - On Saturday, June 10, 2017, members of The Church of Jesus Crist of Latter-day Saints in the Kingston Ontario District helped combat the local issue of hunger. Partnering with Feeding Children Everywhere, seven congregations within the Kingston area teamed up with other community and civic-minded individuals to package 150,000 meals — 1,000 meals for each year since Confederation.

Symbol of a Nation — Canada Sesquicentennial Special Broadcast

Ottawa, Ontario - In “Symbol of a Nation,” the 360-voice Mormon Tabernacle Choir presents a special Music & the Spoken Word broadcast, in honour of Canada’s sesquicentennial. It captures in word and song “the pride that all Canadians feel for every part of this good land.”

Mormon Helping Hands Volunteers Serve at Fort McMurray

Fort McMurray, Alberta - More than a year after a massive wildfire evacuated their community, people in Fort McMurray are still trying to get things back to normal. On August 19, 2017, a group of 180 members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from the Sherwood Park Alberta Stake helped with a variety of service projects in the area.

Manitoba Mormons and Friends Work Together as Good Neighbours

Winnipeg, Manitoba - “Friendly Manitoba” is the motto proudly displayed on the provincial motor vehicle licence plate. Residents of the province, including members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, strive to live up to this adage. In 2017, Church and community members have created new friendships while serving those in need.

Making Room for All Religious Traditions in the Public Sphere

Montreal, Quebec - Mary Deros, city councillor for Park Extension in Montreal, Quebec, recently welcomed participants of Montreal’s seventh annual Interfaith Eco-Action Day. Eco-action events are an opportunity for people of different faiths or no faith at all to come together to make a difference in the community and to express the common belief that we are all entrusted with the care of the Earth.

“A Freedom Seeker’s Toronto” Event Highlights Black History

Toronto, Ontario - On October 18–19, 2017, the Ontario Black History Society held an event themed “A Freedom Seeker’s Toronto.” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was invited to provide an update on the Freedmen’s Bureau Project and assist participants in researching their ancestors online.

Mormon Young Adults Participate in Interfaith Millennial Summit

Ottawa, Ontario - From across the nation, 75 young leaders of various faiths recently convened in the country’s capital for the Faith in Canada 150 Millennial Summit, hosted by Cardus (a Christian think-tank) and sponsored by several faith-based organizations, including The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.