Most Canadian schools are lacking in religious literacy education. The Civic Literacy Youth Network is trying to change that
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 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
Posted inReligion
‘Hypocritical, oppressive’: Young Canadians hold negative views of religion
Many younger Canadians view religion negatively, a new study has found. They see it as as anti-modern, conservative, American and colonial
Posted inReligion
New institute to boost understanding of religion in Canada
Two Canadian universities have launched an institute to study religion in Canada, so Canadians are not ‘so influenced by news from the US’
Posted inReligion
Liberals’ response to Israel-Gaza conflict puts off religious voters: poll
A new poll shows low support for the Liberals among religious voters, including two groups they’ve traditionally counted on — Muslims and Jews
Posted inReligion
Online harms bill fosters fears it will limit religious expression
Religious groups have praised the Online Harms Act but are worried it could provide a vehicle for complaints against the expression of religious beliefs
Posted inReligion
Premier Kinew initiates review of legislature’s opening prayer
Premier Kinew is inviting Manitobans to weigh in on replacing the legislature’s opening Christian prayer with a more representative and inclusive one