NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
October 15, 2010

Media Contact: Diana King
T: 604-731-2790; E: dianaking@shaw.ca

CHRISTIAN, MUSLIM and JEWISH ORGANIZATIONS
UNITE TO PRESENT A SEMINAR & WORKSHOP
with “THE INTERFAITH AMIGOS”
Saturday & Sunday, November 13th & 14th

VANCOUVER, B.C….. The Ecumenical and Multifaith Unit of the Anglican Diocese of New Westminster has partnered with the Canadian Jewish Congress – Pacific Region, Muslim Canadian Federation, and Iona Pacific Inter-Religious Centre at the Vancouver School of Theology to present a two-day multi-faith event called GET TO THE HEART OF INTERFAITH, Saturday & Sunday, November 13th & 14th at two different centres of worship – Christ Church Cathedral and Temple Shalom.

The event features The Interfaith Amigos – Pastor Don Mackenzie, Rabbi Ted Falcon, and Sheikh Jamal Rahman – three spiritual leaders who have formed a friendship rooted in multi-faith dialogue. Speaking out through their radio broadcast, speaking tours, and their book, Getting to the Heart of Interfaith, the trio address how dialogue can transcend the creeds of each faith tradition to the shared values of love, compassion and peace that leads to that healing.

In their book, Getting to the Heart of Interfaith, The Interfaith Amigos remind us that we already live in a pluralistic world. “While we might not talk about it much, we usually interact each day with those of different cultures and different religions,” they write. “What we have found is that not talking about our differences really does not help. Even if we differ, even if we disagree, it is crucial for us to deepen the conversation.”

Get to the Heart of Interfaith hopes to bring together members of different faith traditions to further the kind of dialogue that moves beyond peaceful coexistence to cooperation, thus helping to build a world in which social and environmental justice is a reality. Drawing on their deeply personal journeys, the pastor, rabbi and sheikh will give participants the tools needed to take the next step into greater dialogue and deeper celebration in our spiritual life and in our community. The goal of the two-day event is to help us move beyond separation and suspicion, inquire more deeply, share both the easy and the difficult parts of each tradition, move beyond safe territory, and explore the spiritual practices of other traditions.

Event details are as follows:
• INTERFAITH SEMINAR
Saturday, November 13, 7:00 to 9:00 pm at Christ Church Cathedral (Burrard and Georgia)
Presentation by The Interfaith Amigos followed by a question and answer session.

• INTERFAITH WORKSHOP
Sunday, November 14, 1:30 to 3:30, at Temple Sholom (7190 Oak St. Vancouver)
A hands-on, interactive group session aimed at addressing the dynamics and challenges of dialogue.

Tickets are $30/$25 for both events, or $25/$15 for either the seminar or workshop alone.
Tickets can be ordered on-line at www.VancouverInterfaith.com or by calling 604-682-3848, ext. 30.
Advance booking is recommended.

Full event details and background information on the event and The Interfaith Amigos are available at: www.VancouverInterfaith.com

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