New committee seeks multifaith input on city issues

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This article was published 28/02/2023 (1322 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The mayor’s office will establish a new liaison committee to work with faith and cultural community groups on ways to build a safer and stronger Winnipeg.

Mayor Scott Gillingham made the announcement Tuesday, at the annual Manitoba Multifaith Council leadership breakfast, at the downtown RBC Convention Centre. Theme for the event was: “For the sake of the city.”

The committee, which will be made up of representatives from the local faith and cultural communities, will meet with the mayor and other city officials several times a year.

The goal is to find ways to promote partnerships to tackles issues such as homelessness, hunger, addictions, crime and inequity.

“Partnerships are really critical” to meet those challenges, Gillingham told the assembled crowd, from different faith groups, at the breakfast.

Those challenges are enormous, Gillingham acknowledged, before sharing the biblical story of David and Goliath.

“It’s the story of the little guy who, against all odds, defeats the giant,” said the former pastor, noting David was likely just a teenager sent to the front line of a battle to deliver food to his older brothers.

The army was frozen in fear of Goliath, but David took stock of the situation, including the resources at his disposal, and used his “courage and faith” as motivation to spring into action, the mayor said.

Winnipeg needs more people like David, Gillingham said, adding those kind of people could be found in the faith community.

“You who are already doing important work, faithful to task at hand but compelled by a greater vision — a vision worth fighting for.”

Gillingham said he sees see the potential in the faith community to meet the city’s challenges: “You don’t fear Winnipeg’s giants.”

Instead, those challenges “motivate you to want a stronger Winnipeg. Let’s work across boundaries and together for the sake of our city. You need to know, in no uncertain terms, how important your work is to me as mayor.”

To find members for the new faith and cultural community liaison committee, Gillingham said he will be looking to the Manitoba Multifaith Council and to faith groups such as the Manitoba Islamic Association for recommendations.

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