 By John Hamer, Director of Outreach and Innovative Mission
Immense suffering continues in Gaza and the West Bank even as media attention has shifted. Many of us in Canada want to help but may not know what meaningful action can look like. As part of our commitment to peace and justice, Community of Christ has joined Churches for Middle East Peace, an ecumenical organization that works alongside Palestinian churches, charities, and NGOs seeking to alleviate suffering and support communities in the region. Destiny Magnet, Program Manager for Churches for Middle East Peace, will speak at the Greater Toronto Area Peace Forum, bringing insights from her experience with programs such as And Still We Rise, which creates space for Palestinian women to build community, experience transformation, and take action. Join us to learn more about this work and explore ways in which we can respond. The Greater Toronto Area Peace Forum will include many other presentations, workshops, and intergenerational activities! This is a great opportunity to connect with church members and to invite young people in our network who are more interested in activism than Sunday services. When: Fri, Oct 16 – Sun, Oct 18, 2026 Where: Reaching Out Centre, 125 Queen Street South, Mississauga ON L5M 1K9
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 By Lanette Vawter, Director of Leadership Development The International Peace Forum is just around the corner, taking place October 16–18! Gathering together is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect in person, build a greater sense of belonging, and renew our commitments to the church and its activities. In Vancouver, we will focus on environmental justice and action as we deepen our commitment to the Sacredness of Creation through formation, public witness, and community building. This is also a meaningful opportunity to invite young people in our networks who are looking for ways to make a difference for our planet. 🌲 Featured activity: Lynn Valley Temperate Rainforest On Friday afternoon, October 16, join us for a one-hour walking tour through the temperate rainforest of Lynn Valley. This will be an opportunity to notice the many ways the forest regenerates itself and how humans can either negatively or positively affect these natural processes. Come and experience the healing properties of the rainforest as well as learning how to live in harmony with it. Other activities throughout the weekend include:
The Vancouver Peace Forum webpage has everything you need to plan your weekend, including information about registration, fees, accommodations, and the full schedule. Inquiries: [email protected] When: Fri, Oct 16 – Sun, Oct 18, 2026 Where: Community of Christ Vancouver, 3333 Kaslo Street, Vancouver, BC V5M 2M1  By John Hamer, Director of Outreach and Innovative Mission
The wars in the Middle East have had dramatic effects here in Canada. In his presentation at the Greater Toronto Area Peace Forum, Brian Carwana of the Encounter World Religions Centre proposes to help us step away from the noise of social media in order to better understand the historical context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He will explain the stories of this land and these peoples and explain how key events in the past have led us to this place of conflict. Listeners will learn:
The presentation aims for balance by sharing facts as well as explaining both pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian perspectives to help listeners understand different stances and interpretations. Dr. Carwana has given this presentation in many settings including workplaces, community groups, the general public, with both Jews and Muslims present, and the response has been consistently positive. The Greater Toronto Area Peace Forum will include many other presentations, workshops, and intergenerational activities! This is a great opportunity to connect with church members and to invite young people in our network who are more interested in activism than Sunday services. |
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