The Aga Khan saw ‘a great alignment’ with Canada, a country that allowed people to practice their faith,’ sources said
Author Archives: John Longhurst
John Longhurst is a freelance religion and development aid reporter and columnist for the Winnipeg Free Press. He has been involved in journalism and communications for over 40 years, including as president of Canadian Church Press. In 2021, he received the Manitoba Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Inter-Religious Understanding for his work at the Free Press. In 2024, he was named a member of the Order of Canada.
Posted inDevelopment Aid
Aid groups respond to Poilievre’s pledge to cut foreign aid funding
Pierre Poilievre has said a Conservative government would cut foreign aid funding. Aid groups say cuts would be bad for Canada—and the world
Posted inReligion
‘An irresponsible proposal’: Religious groups react to charitable status threat
A parliamentary committee report recommends government consider stripping religious organizations of their charitable status
Posted inReligion
First Nations Version of New Testament becomes international bestseller
The First Nations Version retells the Bible’s New Testament in a way that is relatable for Indigenous people — but with some key differences
Posted inReligion
United Church calls for Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions against Israel
The United Church of Canada is calling for its 2,500 congregations to reject ‘Israel’s apartheid system.’ Some Jewish Canadians say the move is antisemitic
Posted inReligion
‘A blind spot’: Institute aims to improve youth religious literacy
Most Canadian schools are lacking in religious literacy education. The Civic Literacy Youth Network is trying to change that
Posted inReligion
Catholic Church commits to culture change after multi-year review
A synodal Church ‘is a place where all can feel at home and participate,’ Pope Francis said. But female deacons, LGBTQ inclusion were not addressed at the synod
Posted inReligion
Dr. Jane Philpott, on health-care reform and spirituality
“The remedy we await is serious leadership to implement [health care reform] and to put the well-being of Canadians at the top of the agenda,” Philpott said
Posted inDevelopment Aid
Mennonite relief organization recounts struggle of getting aid into Gaza
“The stakes are very high for getting something wrong,” says one of the MCC directors working to get aid into the conflict-ridden region
Posted inReligion
‘Difficult to digest’: Jasper loses two of its five churches in wildfires
Jasper’s church leaders reflect on their sense of devastation and loss in the wake of the wildfires — and on what gives them hope