Local religious leaders and academics will gather together this Thursday (June 14) at the Squamish United Church to discuss their faiths and how they affect us as a community.
The Interfaith Dialogue at the United Church on Fourth Avenue, which is set to begin at 7 p.m., will bring leaders from the First Nations, Sikh, Muslim, Bahá'i, and Christian communities.
It also invites a professor of religious studies to participate in a public forum to discuss the similarities and differences between the religions.
"Paul Burns from Quest University, as well as U.B.C religious studies, will help lead us through the Interfaith Dialogue," said Rev. Dr. Daniel Bogert-O'Brien of the United Church.
"We are hoping that we will emerge from this public forum with an ongoing understanding and dialogue between the various groups.
"We hope to look at those values that would help too unite our community. That's the direction we want to go."
According to Bogert-O'Brien Squamish's religious community is quite diverse with between 1,100 to 1,500 Sikhs, 2,500 Roman Catholics, and 4,000 Pentecostal practitioners.
"Buddhism, Bahá'i, and Islam are in about double digits, with around 50 to 60 in each," said Bogert-O'Brien.
This is the second time such a discussion has been hosted at the United Church, and organizers hope the dialogue will continue to grow as more members of diverse faiths come to Squamish.
"I am interested in learning about the communities that exist in Squamish and what will be available to Quest students, as part of their practical student life," said Burns.
The religious scholar noted that the international student body will have students of diverse faiths and he hopes the dialogue will illustrate ways that their religious needs can be met.
"I'm assuming we will have some Jewish and Muslim students and we will have to find some way to provide for them," said Burns, pointing to the lack of a formal temple or mosque in Squamish.
The Interfaith Dialogue is also intended to foster understanding among residents of the nature of other faiths.
"We're very keen to try and get people to understand other faiths and give them a broader view," said Bogert-O'Brien.
