Home // News // Meeting with Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism of Canada
Meeting with Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism of Canada
Through the organizational leadership of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis
of Toronto (Canada) and the guidance of His Eminence Metropolitan Archbishop Sotirios, a productive meeting was held today between clergymen of the Eastern Orthodox and
Oriental Orthodox Churches in Canada and the Honorable Jason Kenney, Minister of
Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism.
The discussions centered around the issue of religious freedom both in Canada and around
the globe. Examples given consideration included Egypt's Coptic Christians, the situation of
the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the issue of confiscated Armenian Churches in Turkey, the
problems facing Christians in Kosovo, the illegal occupation of Cyprus and others.
More than 80 clergy including four hierarchs participated in today's conference. Delegates
from the Orthodox Church (Greek, Serbian, Romanian, Ukrainian, Russian, Bulgarian and
Canadian) were in attendance, as were representatives from the Oriental Orthodox Church
(Coptic, Armenian, Syriac, Malankara (Syrian) and Ethiopian). Very Rev. Raban Lazarus Mathew Chor Episcopos and Rev. Fr. Dr. P. K. Mathews represented the Northeast American Diocese in this meeting.
Minister Kenney spoke on religious freedom-related issues and participated in a roundtable
question and answer session where he reaffirmed the federal government's commitment to
foundational values such as freedom, democracy and human rights.
"The establishment by the federal government of the Office of Religious Freedom is a
welcomed and positive step to protect religious minorities under threat throughout the
world," said Metropolitan Sotirios. "It is by way of open and honest dialogue that we can
continue to strengthen and promote tolerance and oppose religious hatred wherever it may
occur."
Today's meeting allowed participants to share information with the Minister and receive
feedback on federal initiatives to build on the strong relationship between the Churches
and the federal government as they work together to help persecuted religious
communities and individuals.
Click here to view press release.
Click here to view gallery.
Tags:
Uncategorized
The Northeast American Diocese accepts news releases and articles. The suggested length is 400 words, but submissions of
any length will be considered. Submissions may be sent via email diocesanwebmaster@gmail.com.
Please note that e-mailed articles should be pasted or typed into the body of the message; please do not send attachments.
We read all submissions promptly and will contact you within three business days if we are going to publish your article.
If you have not heard from us within three business days, please assume that we will not be able to publish your article.