M Anisur Rahaman, director of Regina City Masjid
Regina Call to Prayer
Statement from the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Regina
Recent coverage of a permit issued to the City of Regina’s downtown mosque, allowing the public broadcast of its call to prayer, has resulted in a deeply polarizing public and online response.
The Second Vatican Council emphasized the esteem with which the Church views the Muslim community who, together with us, “adore the one God, living and subsisting in Himself, the all-powerful, Creator of heaven and earth” (Nostra Aetate, 3). The Council likewise called all people “to work sincerely for mutual understanding and to preserve as well as to promote together for the benefit of all mankind, social justice and moral welfare, as well as peace and freedom.”
Our faith calls us to love our neighbour and to reject fear and hostility toward people of other religions. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Regina strongly opposes every form of prejudice, hatred, intimidation, and threat of violence directed toward the Muslim community, whether in Regina or elsewhere. We wish to assure our Muslim neighbours of our prayers, support, and solidarity.
Religious freedom is a fundamental human right with deep roots in the Christian tradition and one that the Catholic Church seeks to uphold. We pray that this moment may become an opportunity for respectful encounter, deeper mutual understanding, and stronger relationships among the people of our city.
We are grateful for the spirit of kindness and openness to dialogue expressed by leaders of the Regina Islamic community. Their response offers an example of the respectful engagement that strengthens communities and helps build a society marked by justice, peace, and the common good.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Mr. Eric Gurash
Director of Communications
Archdiocese of Regina
