Compassion, not conflict, and the celebration of the diversity of Calgary’s faith communities is the theme of the second annual Calgary Interfaith Breakfast happening on May 9.

This year, the breakfast has taken on a new importance given the backdrop of religious conflict worldwide that has frequently become conflict here in Calgary.

Rabbi Mark Glickman, co-chair of the breakfast committee for the Calgary Interfaith Council, said that this was an opportunity for members of all of Calgary’s faith communities to come together to connect over what they share in common and to celebrate their diversity.

“There are so many different religious groups in Calgary, and we have a tendency—understandably have a tendency—sometimes to just spend time with our own groups,” he said.

“We’re really looking forward to having a lot of members of different religious groups join together, and really celebrate our community for it’s great religious diversity.”

Among the religions expected to be represented at the breakfast include but are not limited to Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jews, Muslims, and Sikhs, said Rabbi Glickman.

The breakfast, he said, also provides an opportunity for conversation during a critical moment in Calgary’s history.

“It is especially important at this moment in history, in which there’s so much interfaith conflict… it is especially important that we come together and celebrate our shared humanity and celebrate the richness that each of Calgary’s many religious groups brings to our community.”

“Hopefully, we can play our role in easing some of those conflicts, as we humanize one another by sitting across the table from one another by sharing a meal together by getting to know one another as people.”

The breakfast is being hosted by Mayor Jyoti Gondek and will be featuring Alberta’s Lieutenant Governor Salma Lakhani as the keynote speaker.

“Calgary’s faith-based community repeatedly demonstrates the power of compassion and community,” said Mayor Jyoti Gondek. 

“It is powerful to see groups with diverging beliefs come together to focus on what matters with open hearts and open minds through events such as this.”

Rabbi Glickman said they were grateful for the Mayor’s support and that it was a step towards greater re-connection and healing within Calgary.

“My hope is that this event will be a step toward healing in a world that is so desperately in need of it,” he said.

Tickets are $35, with subsidized tickets available, and can be purchased at www.calgaryinterfaithcouncil.org/calgary-interfaith-breakfast.