An interfaith council of Prince George is about to be launched.
The initiative has drawn interest from the Sikh and Muslim communities and from an array of Christian denominations and organizers hope more will join by the time an inaugural meeting is held Tuesday at the Civic Centre, 10 a.m. start.
"The premise is that while faith differences can divide, we're looking for opportunity for faith to unite people within the community and to work together collectively on common issues," said Prince George Salvation Army Captain Neil Wilkinson, who will co-chair the council.
Although exact details are still to be worked out, Wilkinson said activities could include coordinated efforts for reducing poverty, developing a curriculum on world religions to deliver to local schools and to help with a person's faith exploration process.
"It's going to be great," Wilkinson said. "It's exciting to see the birth of a new initiative in the community."
It's largely the brainchild of Jon Duncan, a local lawyer and member of the Latter-day Saints. A series of controversies - including the stance on homosexuality by the owners of the Ness Lake Bible Camp - had led Duncan to become concerned about the public's view of religion.
Duncan also saw a need to better coordinate efforts in other areas.
At about that time, Duncan heard from an interfaith group in Surrey during a conference and "all they had done to bring together different faiths in their community to speak out on these issues of faith."
When he returned to Prince George, he approached Wilkinson during the annual Thanksgiving food drive.
"We got chatting and realized we have a similar desire," Duncan said. "The Salvation Army does a lot of good work in the community. An interfaith group allows them to tap into a number of other faith who want to help them.
"There are all these Sikhs in town, all these Muslims in town, other Christian groups in town more than happy to help them out at the Christmas kettles or the food drives or whatever."
Those interested in participating can email co-chair Susan Scott at [email protected].
