New Year's Message from Son of Famous Governor General
Hamilton | Ottawa | Calgary | Vancouver | Los Angeles www.cardus.ca
Jean Vanier speaks out about the role of faith in Canadian life ahead of Canada 150 celebrations
January 1, 2017
HAMILTON—Jean Vanier, Companion of the Order of Canada and son of former governor general George Vanier, calls 2017 a critical year for remembering the important role of faith in Canadian life. The noted philosopher, writer, advocate for people with intellectual disabilities, and winner of the 2015 Templeton Prize says it's important to remember Canada's rich legacy of religious faith as we enter the 150th year since Confederation.
"Faith is to believe that every person, whatever the culture, whatever the religion, is important—and to enter into relationship with that person," Vanier said recently at his home in France. "Not just to see them as citizens of the same country, but as brothers and sisters in humanity."
Vanier added that Canada's faith heritage has made this country a unique place.
"Canada has a mission, and that mission is also in our world: to cultivate this brotherly-sisterly love amongst every person, so that Canada is not just a place of peace, but is a source of peace, and a vision of peace for our world," he said.
Jean Vanier has spoken extensively with Faith in Canada 150 and Cardus. His comments are available for broadcast here:
- Jean Vanier says it's important to remember Canada's rich legacy of religious faith as we enter the 150th year since Confederation.
- Jean Vanier says the start of Canada's sesquicentennial year is the perfect time to remember that the country's faith heritage has made this a unique place.
- Jean Vanier reminds Canadians that this country's faith heritage has taught us about treating all people with dignity.
His comments come as Faith in Canada 150 prepares to launch a series of initiatives later this month to highlight the important role that religious faith has played since before Confederation, and will continue to play in the future.
About Faith in Canada 150
Faith in Canada 150 is a program of Cardus that exists to celebrate the role of faith in our life together during Canada's anniversary celebrations in 2017. For more than 450 years, faith has shaped the human landscape of Canada. It has shaped how we live our lives, how we see our neighbours, how we fulfill our social responsibilities, and how we imagine our life together. To learn more, visit: faithincanada150.ca/about.
About Cardus
Cardus is a think tank dedicated to the renewal of North American social architecture. It conducts independent and original research, produces several periodicals, and regularly stages events with Senior Fellows and interested constituents across Canada and the U.S. To learn more, visit: www.cardus.ca and follow us on Twitter @cardusca.
MEDIA INQUIRIES
Daniel Proussalidis
Cardus - Director of Communications
613.241.4500 x.508
dproussalidis@cardus.ca
905-528-8866
Help us spread the word