“I Choose Civility” Highlights in Calgary, Alberta

In celebration of the 2019 U.N. World Interfaith Harmony Week, Calgary-area clergy, faith leaders and citizens of goodwill gathered at special events organized and sponsored by the Calgary Interfaith Council. “I Choose Civility” was the theme for this year’s celebrations. Events included the opening ceremony at Calgary City Hall, an Interfaith Breakfast hosted by Beth Tzedec Congregation, the student-led “My Story” faith discussion at Mount Royal University and the concluding dinner and celebration hosted by the Calgary Alberta Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi, keynote speaker at the interfaith breakfast on February 5, invited participants to choose civility by listening, caring and engaging kindly with each another in order to foster peaceful and thriving communities. Rabbi Shaul Osadchey, co-chair of the Calgary Interfaith Council, urged faith leaders to lead the way in encouraging Calgarians to sign “The Calgary Interfaith Council Civility Pledge.” The 10-point document calls for greater civility, respect and compassion among peoples of all faiths and backgrounds.

“The theme of ‘I Choose Civility’ is particularly applicable today,” said Elder James E. Evanson, Area Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, North America Central–Southern Alberta. “It was wonderful to have so many diverse faith leaders from around Calgary come to our building for the closing dinner and participate together. I enjoyed the opportunity to visit with other faith leaders and to discuss concerns, successes and some of our doctrine and practices. These types of experiences help all of us build on common beliefs, listen to each other and reach out in common efforts.”

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are encouraged to defend religious freedom, respectfully share their beliefs and have meaningful and kind conversations with those of differing beliefs.