COMMONWEALTH DAY 2017
38th COMMONWEALTH INTERFAITH SERVICE
…promoting a Peace-Building Commonwealth
When: MONDAY, MARCH 13, 2017 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Where: KEHILLAT BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE (1400 Coldrey Ave. Ottawa)
(Near Kirkwood and Carlingwood 417 Exit – FREE Parking)
Who: ALL ARE WELCOME!
Cost: Free (Donations are welcome and tax receipts will be issued for $20+)
The Commonwealth Interfaith Service
This Service celebrates – with prayer, music, song and readings – the values and ideals that Canada shares with the 52 member countries of the Commonwealth, and the diversity of the 2.6 billion people in the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth Interfaith Service has been held for 38 years in Ottawa for Commonwealth Day. The Interfaith Service brings the major faiths together for a joint service and we will have seven faiths represented in addition to the participation of High Commissioners, Members of Parliament and Senators. “A Peace-building Commonwealth” is the Commonwealth of Nations’ theme for 2017. At a time of increasing instability and uncertainty in the world, the Commonwealth family of nations, in its rich diversity becomes an ever more-needed source of strength and hope for all our members. ‘A Peace-building Commonwealth’ is a natural follow-on from 2016’s theme of ‘An Inclusive Commonwealth’. The 2017 theme reaffirms the Commonwealth Charter principle that ‘international peace and security, sustainable economic growth and development and the rule of law are essential to the progress and prosperity of all’. The Commonwealth of Nations celebrates the diversity of the Commonwealth. Each nation is unique and each has made many wonderful and unique contributions to the world. The Commonwealth Charter asserts that everyone is equal and deserves to be treated fairly, whether they are rich or poor, without regard to their race, age, gender or religion.
This year is a very important year and marks the 150th Anniversary of Canadian Confederation… Canada is an open and inclusive country. The Commonwealth Interfaith Service represents the best of Canada.
While last minute attendees are fully welcome, it would be wonderfully appreciated if you would register online or by email/ phone:
Online: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/2017-commonwealth-interfaith-service-tickets-31293255971
Email or Phone:
Gregory Evanik, President, (613) 600 0190, president@rcs-ottawa.ca
Brian Herman, VP Policy and Planning, (613) 422-0252, hermanbri14@gmail.com
Linda Gunning, Past-President, (613) 737 2179, lgunning@sympatico.ca
Note - A reception in the Synagogue Hall will follow the service with light food and refreshments.
Commonwealth Interfaith Service
2017 Theme: A Peace-building Commonwealth
The Interfaith Service celebrates – with prayer, music, song and readings – the values and ideals that Canada shares with the other member countries of the Commonwealth, and the diversity of the 2.6 billion people in the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth Interfaith Service has been held for 38 years in Ottawa for Commonwealth Day. The Interfaith Service brings the major faiths together for a joint service and we will have seven representatives in addition to High Commissioners, Members of Parliament and Senators. “A Peace-building Commonwealth” is the Commonwealth of Nations’ theme for 2017. At a time of increasing instability and uncertainty in the world, the Commonwealth family of nations, in its rich diversity becomes an ever more-needed source of strength and hope for all our members. ‘A Peace-building Commonwealth’ is a natural follow-on from 2016’s theme of ‘An Inclusive Commonwealth’. The 2017 theme reaffirms the Commonwealth Charter principle that ‘international peace and security, sustainable economic growth and development and the rule of law are essential to the progress and prosperity of all’. The Commonwealth of Nations celebrates the diversity of the Commonwealth. Each nation is unique and each has made many wonderful and unique contributions to the world. The Commonwealth Charter asserts that everyone is equal and deserves to be treated fairly, whether they are rich or poor, without regard to their race, age, gender
The Royal Commonwealth Society Ottawa (RCS Ottawa) is dedicated to supporting the values contained in the Charter of The Commonwealth of Nations, which emphasizes the inter-dependent, cross-cultural, and interfaith nature of member countries. RCS Ottawa is dedicated to promoting The Commonwealth, its values and its diversity. RCS Ottawa believes that the Commonwealth of Nations is an important influence for good in the world. The 52 member countries are representative of all geographic regions of the world. Within, there is a great diversity of races, cultures, creeds, and political beliefs. These are enhanced by our ability to communicate and act constructively for peaceful ends.
The member countries form a network of mutual assistance in many areas, including economic affairs, development, research, law, education, health, and communication. All member countries are equal and free to follow their own policies and all subscribe to a set of common ideals including: democracy, equal rights for all citizens and the liberty of the individuals, opposition to colonial domination, opposition to racial domination and oppression, and the realization of a fairer society.
The Commonwealth in Ottawa finds Strength in Diversity. Diversity will only positively contribute to our Country --- diversity of faiths, culture, and language. We believe that it is critically important to offer opportunities where the sharing of faiths and culture can be done in a supportive and respectful manner.
This year is a very important year and marks the 150th Anniversary of Canadian Confederation… Canada is an open and inclusive country. The Commonwealth Interfaith Service represents the best of Canada. The Interfaith Service strengthens sharing and mutual respect based on the Commonwealth Heritage of Canada… please join us for prayer and celebration on Commonwealth Day 2017!
The Interfaith Service is organized by the
ROYAL COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY OTTAWA
PO Box 8023, Postal Station T, Ottawa, ON, K1G 3H6
http://rcs-ottawa.ca/
in cooperation with
KEHILLAT BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
1400 Coldrey Avenue, Ottawa, ON, K1Z 7P9
http://kehillatbethisrael.com/