Faith & the Common Good Celebrates 25 Years of Interfaith Leadership on Climate and Justice
FCG was born from a simple but powerful vision: that people of faith could contribute a distinctive moral and spiritual voice to the most pressing challenges of our time.
For a quarter century, Faith & the Common Good (FCG) has helped faith communities across Canada turn spiritual commitment into practical action on climate and justice.
On Tuesday, September 16, the interfaith network celebrated its 25th anniversary with a gathering in Toronto that drew partners, leaders, and supporters from across the country.
Founded by the late Bill Phipps, Moderator of the United Church of Canada, and Rev. Dr. Ted Reeve, FCG was born from a simple but powerful vision: that people of faith could contribute a distinctive moral and spiritual voice to the most pressing challenges of our time.
“We chose the language of the common good because it resonated across faith traditions,” Rev. Reeve told the gathering.
He recalled early milestones, including interfaith submissions to the Romanow Commission on the Future of Healthcare, collaborations with David Suzuki on ecological education, and the launch of Greening Sacred Spaces, a program that has since guided hundreds of congregations in shrinking their carbon footprint.
Over the years, FCG has partnered with more than 700 faith communities across 25 traditions and over 100 organizations. Its projects — from Climate Resilience to Extreme Weather (CREW) to Faithful Footprints — have built a reputation for equipping local communities with the tools to live out their values in tangible ways.
Outgoing Executive Director Rev. Michelle Singh reflected on the organization’s journey through the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our success has always been rooted in collaboration and the strength of our interfaith partnerships,” she said, paying tribute to long-serving staff members who have been with FCG over the years.
The anniversary also highlighted the group’s deep ties with the United Church of Canada.
Accepting a recognition on behalf of the Church, General Secretary Rev. Michael Blair praised the Faithful Footprints program, which has supported congregations in reducing their greenhouse gas emissions.
Looking forward, FCG introduced Victor Reyes as its incoming Executive Director in 2026.
Reyes stressed that environmental work cannot be separated from justice.
“Climate change is not just about the environment — it is about equity. The most vulnerable are the most affected,” he said. “Faith communities have a unique role to play in building resilience and transforming systems.”
Reyes issued a call for continued engagement, both spiritual and material.
“If our dreams don’t come true, may new dreams arise,” he told attendees. “Together, we can ensure that diverse voices of faith lead the way in building a more sustainable and compassionate Canada.
(Photos: Diana Alli D'Souza)