The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms names the freedom of conscience and religion as its first fundamental freedom.
The Canadian Council of Churches representing—in its 25 member denominations—85% of the Christians in Canada, with connections to millions of people of faith around the world, has been promoting and living this fundamental freedom of religion and conscience for nearly 70 years now.
We bring expertise to the mandate of the new Office of Religious Freedom and look forward to being consulted. We bring the wide experience of working with and being in active relationship with, all of Canada’s faith communities at national and international levels.
On the occasion of the creation of the Office of Religious Freedom and the naming of its first Ambassador, Andrew Bennett, The Canadian Council of Churches has written to the Prime Minister.