GUIDELINES FOR RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES INVOLVING MORE THAN ONE FAITH TRADITION
At certain times in Canadian public life, significant events call on the resources of the religious and spiritual traditions in our land. The Canadian Council of Churches (CCC) offers the following guidelines as a contribution towards acknowledging the multifaith realities of our country. Developed by the CCC Interfaith Relations Committee in consultation with partners from the Muslim and Jewish faiths, and adopted as a statement of the Council, these guidelines provide suggestions for planning and conducting public religious ceremonies that include the participation of a diversity of religious traditions.
GUIDELINES FOR RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES INVOLVING MORE THAN ONE FAITH TRADITION
Prayer involving members of more than one religious tradition is appropriate on public occasions when the wider community comes together to celebrate, or to mourn following tragedy. As members of diverse communities in consultation with one another, we have made the following recommendations to our constituencies.
Such religious ceremonies grow out of, and reflect, respect for all traditions present. This respect needs to be present in the planning as well as in the actual event. Faith communities should take initiative to work collaboratively in planning such events. They are free to name their own leadership to participate in planning and in the actual prayer.
Introductory bidding prayers should be inclusive, in the form of an invocation that opens the community to the divine presence. Sensitivity toward all participants ought to guide all activities.
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