On Oct. 5 the Calgary Interfaith Council held its first COUNCIL Gathering. Sixty people participated in the space of the Hillhurst United Church, enjoying food provided by the Amadeus community and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The event was a poignant mixture of laughter, tears, prayers and statements of intention.

A few highlights: we started with fun!

People organized themselves by the date of their birthday. There were no birthdays in March (how strange?!). Two pairs shared the same birthday! They each received a prize,  as did Zubair Hanif, whose birthday was on Oct. 5. We all sang “Happy Birthday” to him. 

Whitney Nagasan from the FCJ Christian Life Center offered a  prayer.  She dedicated the prayer to Sister Ger Curran, who had recently passed away. Sister Ger had been a significant part of the Calgary Interfaith Council since its inception in 2017.  Rev. Tony Snow followed this with an Indigenous hymn used at funerals .

Laughter and tears and prayer. 

And more prayer — our Muslim colleagues retired to the main space of the church sanctuary for evening prayers. It was so good to know that prayer was happening even as we were gathering. 

Rev. Jane Rowland, Ayse Sezgin and Larry Spackman introduced complex conversations about the referendum. The following small group conversations were facilitated by Rev. Samaya Oakley.  

Elyse Brazel, Community Connector, presented the CIC Virtual Interfaith Map, introducing our member organizations  and high points of Interfaith activity in Calgary. Dr. Harjot Singh shared ideas and opportunities for the Calgary Interfaith Council’s 10th anniversary in 2027 and asked for feedback. 

As the COUNCIL gathering closed, the following comments were offered 

“I feel better!”

“This gives me hope!” 

This meeting was friendly and meaningful.