The Centre for Civic Religious Literacy
Sponsored Content: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the organization and do not necessarily represent the editorial perspective of Christian Courier.
Canada is a multicultural nation. Many proclaim that diversity is our strength. It is not perfect, however – far from it. Unity in diversity requires constant vigilance and even harder work.
In 2019, a group of young adults shared their thoughts with the Centre for Civic Religious Literacy (CCRL). They felt that there were few places to talk about religious diversity and sensed that discrimination and hate towards religion were a problem.
As a group of researcher-educators, the CCRL team was familiar with the statistical data behind the stories the young adults shared. Trends have worsened since 2019.
Since then, CCRL created The Hope Network as a way for young Canadians from all backgrounds to gather online and hear different perspectives.
Past participants have said:
“I can apply this knowledge in my day-to-day life and my future career as it impacts how you interact with the people surrounding you.”
“It has been nice to talk to others all around Canada and listen to new speakers explain things I have never thought about before.”
“As Canadians, we would benefit from having opportunities to engage with people outside of our immediate circles, and most importantly, learn from and about people that are different from us.”
Two cohorts have concluded and a third is currently underway to promote understanding through religious/worldview literacy.
Worldview differences
Diversity is part of God’s good creation – it is a gift. We embrace our multicultural neighbours, celebrating diversity in food and clothing. But our diverse strength goes beyond cultural differences. Might our strength also lie in our worldview differences?
Here we hesitate. Can we really embrace, celebrate and learn from the worldview of others?
There is a Canadian tendency to relegate worldview differences to the private sphere. Often that is where they remain. But this does not serve us well – not in our workplaces, our schools, our society, or even in our sacred places and spaces. Ignoring these differences or simply being unaware of them creates misunderstandings, tensions and at times conflicts. Living well together is to acknowledge our diversity and benefit from its richness.
What is religious/worldview literacy?
Religious/worldview literacy is a civic competency that helps us understand the religious, spiritual, and secular perspectives and practices around us. It includes knowledge and skills to engage with this part of life, society and culture in an intersectional way so that we can see how, for example, a Canadian-born Muslim woman in Newfoundland may have a different experience and understanding of Islam than a Nigerian-born Muslim man in Alberta.
Mission and vision
The CCRL’s mission is to help people develop a greater understanding of the multiplicity of religious, spiritual and secular identities, traditions and views they encounter in Canada and elsewhere.
Our vision is to assist in recognizing the richness and contributions of people who come from different perspectives by enhancing religious/worldview literacy through dialogue – across all sectors and age groups, in the public square, our workplaces and community gatherings.
Projects
In partnership with local organizations, CCRL co-creates customized educational solutions to resolve tensions that arise from worldview illiteracy. We work with partners to explore questions that prompt deeper exploration and understanding – efforts to prevent or minimize discrimination and conflict. CCRL uses a three-pronged approach that incorporates evidence-based knowledge, region-specific lenses and collaboration with local partners.
Supporting rural well-being
In collaboration with project partners in Temiskaming Shores, a city of 10,000 people, 600 kilometres north of Toronto, CCRL created an Employee Resource Group (ERG) to support both employers and employees in increasing religious/worldview literacy and building community. Some from the group completed a Faith and Belief Friendly Workplace certificate. This training program was designed to retain locals, entice newcomers to call Temiskaming Shores home, and improve relations between local Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Video testimonials and more details are available on the CCRL website.
Spirituality among neurodivergent adults
A CCRL project underway in BC with various partners explores the spiritual understanding and engagement of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Spirituality was of great interest among project partners because they had previously focused solely on physical, mental, emotional and social well-being for their clients in the community living sector. Learn more through reports and videos posted on the website.
Four ways you can get involved
1. Anti-Racism Toolkit
Canada is not immune to racism and discrimination. Both can be subtle, but they can also be overt. Quebec’s embrace of laicité, for example, intended to preserve a unique Québecois culture, appears to pivot from one dominant worldview (Catholicism) to another (Quebec Secularism), with religious minorities and sectors bearing the brunt. Other parts of Canada have their own racist history, which still haunts us. CCRL has co-created an Anti-Racism Toolkit with the Victoria (BC) Multifaith Society. It encourages insight, empathy and listening, emphasizing respect, kindness and compassion. It contains eight sessions on anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism, Islamophobia, antisemitism and anti-Asian racism, including step-by-step instructions, links to online resources, a facilitator’s guidelines and a glossary. Use it and share it with others.
2. Educator Toolkit
CCRL’s award-winning team of educators has compiled an Educator Toolkit designed for middle and high school educators. Offered in both English and French, it includes student-friendly definitions, ways to address important topics, core competencies and skills, a sample scope and classroom sequence, a sample lesson and assessment, and further readings. A free copy of the resource can be downloaded at ccrl-clrc.ca.
3. Learn through online discussions and resources
CCRL hosts chats and maintains a Thought Corner on topics related to religious/worldview issues. It also has videos on its engagements with a variety of organizations promoting religious/worldview diversity and intersectionality, revealing how religious/worldview literacy relates to racism, politics, economics and other individual and social factors. Sign up for our newsletter at ccrl-clrc.ca.
4. Donate and/or become a CCRL member
With a team of researcher-educators, CCRL is consistently creating customized religious/worldview literacy resources. Creating effective resources takes time, effort and funding. If you would like to support CCRL and its work, please consider making a donation. Donations of all sizes are also welcome to keep our core operational needs going strong. CCRL is a registered charity with the Canada Revenue Agency.
