Manitoba Muslims speak about the challenge of expressing their grief, anxiety and hopelessness — especially with non-Muslims
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 inProfessional
Can parish nursing be a new form of community care?
As congregations age, some churches are bringing on parish nurses to respond to congregants’ medical, health and social needs
Posted inReligion
‘Slap in the face’: new blessing for same-sex couples gets mixed reaction
Priests can now bless same-sex couples. But the doctrine reaffirms marriage in the Catholic Church is only between a man and woman
Posted inCommunity
The ‘two traumas’: interfaith relations hit low in Canada
The state of interfaith relations in Canada has never been worse, experts say, with two traumas playing out: ‘events there and events here’
Posted inReligion
Controversial military directive does not ban prayer, as critics charge
A controversial new directive seeks to ensure all Canadians feel included in military ceremonies, no matter their spiritual beliefs. But it does not ban prayer
Posted inCommunity
Unique law makes it easier to bring hate speech claims
Hate speech provision in Manitoba’s Defamation Act could complement hate speech laws in the Criminal Code and human rights legislation
Posted inCommunity
Winnipeg mayor forms multi-faith circle to identify issues, solutions
In what may be a first in Canada, Winnipeg’s mayor has created a multi-faith circle to stay abreast of concerns in city’s faith and cultural communities
Posted inCommunity
The major economic impact of Canada’s places of worship
Places of worship generate an estimated $18 billion of economic value for Canada each year, according to a “halo effect” study
Posted inFamily
New study shows religious women have – and desire – more kids
Religious women indicated they were less worried about life than non-religious women—which may make them more willing to have children
Posted inCommunity
Centre launches campaign to make Canada more secular
The Centre for Inquiry Canada is advocating for churches to lose their tax breaks. Others say religion is a net benefit to Canada.