2014 Spring Institute: Is Canada Secular?
Until recently, sociological theory of secularization erroneously presumed the decline or eventual demise of religion, particularly in the post-Enlightenment west. Contrary to such predictions, religion remains a potent socio-political force in nations like Canada. What then is the relationship between religion and secularism? As witnessed by emerging legislation and policies like the Quebec Charter of Values, being a religionist in Canada can come with its challenges. Against this broad backdrop, the institute engaged the varied roles and configurations of religion in Canadian society and sought to respond to the question: Is Canada secular?
Guest Speakers
Ms. Chantal Hebert, national affairs writer, Toronto Star ;“At Issue” panelist the CBC’s The National ; contributor to Radio-Canada’s Les Coulisses du pouvoir; guest columnist for Le Devoir and L’Actualité
The Honourable Bill Blaikie, Director of the Knowles-Woodsworth Centre for Theology and Public Policy
Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, President of the University of 澳门王中王论坛; former federal Minister of Foreign Affairs
Dr. Adina Balint-Babos, Assistant Professor of Modern Languages
Dr. Barter Moulaison, Chair of the Department of Religion and Culture
Prof. Laurence Broadhurst, Department of Classics and Department of Religion and Culture
Dr. Fiona Green, Associate Dean of Arts
Dr. Jason Hannan, Assistant Professor of Rhetoric, Writing and Communications
Dr. Peter Ives, Chair of the Department of Political Science
Dr. McLeod Rogers, Chair of the Department of Rhetoric, Writing and Communications
Dr. Tracy Whalen, Associate Professor of Rhetoric, Writing and Communications