Brian Carwana - Iqra.ca

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Brian Carwana

A collection of 8 posts

Québec Politicians Targeting Muslims Again

Québec Politicians Targeting Muslims Again

A provincial election is coming this year in Québec. The current government is unpopular and likely headed for a crushing defeat. What to do? Regrettably in Québec, the answer is all-too-familiar: go after Muslims.

The Legacy of Pope Francis

The Legacy of Pope Francis

By Brian Carwana The Catholic Church, which oversees a billion devotees, is the largest single religious organization on earth and one of the longest lasting organizations in human history. The death of its leader, Pope Francis, on Monday marks the end of a very intriguing papacy as Francis’ style was

Which religions are strong in Canada?

Which religions are strong in Canada?

By Brian Carwana We often hear that religion in Canada is waning as the percentage of non-religious people has surged. But the story gets more complicated if we ask a different question: namely which communities are keeping their members best and which are struggling to retain their children once they

Islam and the House of Wisdom

Islam and the House of Wisdom

By Brian Carwana Westerners’ image of Islam has not often been very positive. Many Westerners know little about Islam and this gap can get filled by dramatic news events like terrorism or the extremist regime in Afghanistan. At Encounter, we promote education and actual engagement with religious communities to move

How to celebrate the holidays respectfully

How to celebrate the holidays respectfully

By Brian Carwana From October through early January there are dozens of religious holidays. Many of us are familiar with Christmas and Hannukah (though the latter is actually a relatively minor Jewish holiday), and we may know a bit about Diwali. But we may not have a solid handle on

Discovery Week: from an attendee’s eyes

interfaith Featured

Discovery Week: from an attendee’s eyes

By Brian Carwana More than thirty years ago, an American minister, with a big booming voice and a thoughtful nature had what may have been a radical idea at the time. He was convinced that the way to foster connection and understanding across cultures and religions was simply to introduce

A Season of Celebrating with Others

interfaith Featured

A Season of Celebrating with Others

By Brian Carwana We are in the midst of a season of religious holidays. From November through early January, many religious traditions have celebrations marking key events in their stories, often holding up light amidst the darkness engulfing the northern hemisphere. This, my friends, is a great opportunity! An opportunity

An inspiring man

Real Lives Featured

An inspiring man

By Brian Carwana So often when Muslims make the news, it is as either victims or perpetrators of violence (the murdered London family or the Taliban respectively). Where, I always wonder, are the stories of Muslims like those I know – people who are excellent neighbours, insightful colleagues, and community supporters?