Chaplains from CFB Comox hosted their first multi faith gathering to discuss interfaith collaboration and cooperation within the Comox Valley. Representatives from Jewish, Buddhist, Bah谩'铆, Christian and Indigenous faiths met with representatives from immigration, health and public safety to better understand each other's needs and vision. 

Harold Rosen, an interfaith educator and author, gave an inspiring keynote on interfaith collaboration. He posed questions such as, 鈥渉ow do faith traditions guide us toward our common future?鈥�

"[We need to] make sure we take time to create a community of practice before we get out and do things," said Wedlidi Speck, a practitioner of Indigenous traditional spirituality.

The meeting came to a general agreement that not only is education on different cultures and religions important, so is raising awareness of the friendship among different faiths. 

鈥淭hese folks are instrumental in providing care for the community. As chaplains, we need to know the local players so we can guide those who want to make a local faith connection,鈥� said 19 Wing Chaplain, Lieutenant (Navy) Reverend Lara Bowditch.

The attendees will meet again to further the conversation and expand the group. Those interested in getting involved are encouraged to reach out to the 19 Wing Chaplain鈥檚 office.

鈥淚nterfaith collaboration and cooperation in a world that is increasingly becoming more divided has never been more important,鈥� said event organizer, Connie Waterman. 鈥淧eace among people can only exist in communities that are inclusive, where everyone feels empowered to participate and contribute.鈥�