Interfaith relations

The Archdiocese of Regina has been a leader in interfaith or interreligious relations for many years. The foundation of our commitment to working together with people of other living faiths is described in the Vatican II declaration "Nostra Aetate", on the relation of the Church to non-Christian religions. Here we find the following affirmation:

5. We cannot truly call on God, the Father of all, if we refuse to treat in a brotherly way any man, created as he is in the image of God. Man's relation to God the Father and his relation to men his brothers are so linked together that Scripture says: "He who does not love does not know God" (1 John 4:8). No foundation, therefore, remains for any theory or practice that leads to discrimination between man and man or people and people, so far as their human dignity and the rights flowing from it are concerned. The Church reproves, as foreign to the mind of Christ, any discrimination against men or harassment of them because of their race, colour, condition of life, or religion. On the contrary, following in the footsteps of the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, this sacred synod ardently implores the Christian faithful to "maintain good fellowship among the nations" (1 Peter 2:12), and, if possible, to live for their part in peace with all men (cf. Rom. 12:18), so that they may truly be sons of the Father who is in heaven (cf. Matt. 5:45).

Encapsulated here is the simple conviction that all people are created in the image of God and thus are endowed with inalienable dignity. Our commitments to social justice, to interfaith dialogue, and to political collaboration for the common good all share this common foundation. For this reason, the Archdiocese works together with other faith communities in both multifaith and bilateral relations. Two important bodies in which we work are:

• Multifaith Saskatchewan (MFS)
  The MFS is a provincial body with representation from local or regional multifaith groups across Saskatchewan. Membership in the MFS is open to multifaith organizations (regular membership), provincial or regional faith communities (associate membership), and individual persons. The Archdiocese of Regina is an associate member of the MFS and is currently represented on the MFS Executive by Nicholas Jesson, the Archdiocesan ecumencal & interfaith relations officer.
  
  
• Regina Multi-Faith Forum (RMFF)
  The RMFF is a volunteer-run organization that enables individuals to learn about the beliefs and practices of different religions and faith traditions. It is guided by the principles of mutual respect, inclusiveness, openness, and consensus, without attempts to convert members to a particular faith group. The mandate of the RMFF is to promote understanding, appreciation, and acceptance of the diverse religious communities living in the Regina area, and to promote the development of a just and peaceful society. The Forum is also dedicated to initiating and carrying out actions and activities that promote community understanding and cooperation. The RMFF provides opportunities for people of different faith traditions to gather, get to know each other, and pray together. The Archdiocese is a member of the RMFF.
• You are encouraged to join the RMFF mailing list