With religious hostility at an all-time high, Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is promoting interfaith harmony with a multimedia festival Feb. 7-9.
In recognition of the United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week, KPU’s Multi-Faith Centre is sharing story submissions of faith-based and secular relations that build bridges. Poems, art, music and other creative expressions submitted by the KPU community will be on display at both the Richmond and Surrey campuses along with live dance demonstrations, speakers and food.
“This is a chance to move beyond the politics and be a part of real unification,” said Shawn Erickson, who oversees the Multi-Faith Centre. “Now more than ever it’s important to recognize fair and equitable treatment of all persons with a respect for diversity and sensitivity toward the multicultural reality of KPU.”
Based in Richmond, KPU’s Multi-Faith Centre is a coalition of diverse faith communities offering students, faculty and staff the opportunity to explore and respect the diversity of religious and secular world views. The Multi-Faith Centre maintains sacred spaces on campus in the form of meditation and prayer rooms on the Richmond and Surrey campuses. Currently four Christian and three Humanist chaplains.
The Interfaith Harmony Week closing event is an open mic night at KPU Surrey’s GrassRoots Café on Thursday, Feb. 9. All are welcome to share expressions of interfaith harmony, whether through music or spoken word.
For KPU’s Interfaith Harmony Week calendar of events, visit kpu.ca/interfaithharmony.
