National organization recognizes interfaith leaders

The National Muslim Christian Liaison Committee (NMCLC) recognized two long-time Canadian faith leaders with the BMG (Berthrong, Muinnudin, Gregerson) Award for Interfaith Collaboration at their annual event on February 23, 2023.

The awardees were Shirley Tetreau and Muneeb Nasir.

The National Muslim Christian Liaison Committee brings representatives of Muslim and Christian organizations into a forum for respectful dialogue on themes of common interest, and for the exchange of and response to faith-related concerns and areas of sensitivity between Muslims and Christians.

Founded in 1984, NMCLC has sponsored regular dialogue and learning events, consulted on documents and resources and collaborated on social issues.

Members share a vision that Christians and Muslims realize the full potential of their relationship – appreciate, respect, support and understand each other – leading to the betterment of our society.

PROFILE OF RECIPIENTS

Shirley Tetreau is a member of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Toronto and has been an active member of the Muslim Christian Liaison Committee for the past 12 years.

She has been a 49 years member of the Focolare - a worldwide Roman Catholic movement whose goal is to bring the message of unity into the world without excluding anyone or discriminating in any way.

Shirley’s lifelong profession is classical ballet. In the 1950’s she danced with the National Ballet of Canada and also was appointed Assistant Ballet Mistress.

When the National Ballet School was founded in 1959 she joined the Ballet Faculty for several years before she moved to teach in New York, Boston & finally to New Jersey.

In 1986 she returned to teach at the National Ballet School and also became qualified to give classical ballet exams across Canada to both students and their teachers.

She also taught in 4 different ballet studios that are in Toronto, Mississauga and Brampton. In 2016 she retired from teaching and examining but continues to mentor a couple of dancers who now are professionally dancing in Europe and send her their videos for her comments and guidance.

Muneeb Nasir Is a Muslim religious leader, writer, and interfaith activist who is respected for his knowledge and involvement in religious and current affairs.

Muneeb is the Chair of the Olive Tree Foundation and former  Co-Chair of the National Muslim Christian Liaison Committee.

He is also the Executive Director of the Cordoba Centre for Civic Engagement and Leadership, a collective that promotes service, dialogue and understanding among peoples of various cultures and faiths; a member of the Muslim Advisory Board, Emmanuel College and the Managing Editor of the online Canadian Muslim magazine, IQRA.ca.

Educated at the University of Toronto and University of Guelph, Muneeb also has Professional Certification in Not-for-Profit Management and in Interfaith Understanding.