Metro Vancouver, B.C. – With religious hostility at an all-time high, Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is promoting interfaith harmony with a multimedia festival Feb. 7-9.
In recognition of the United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week, KPU’s Multi-Faith Centre is sharing story submissions of faith-based and secular relations that build bridges. Poems, art, music and other creative expressions submitted by the KPU community will be on display at both the Richmond and Surrey campuses along with live dance demonstrations, speakers and food.
“This is a chance to move beyond the politics and be a part of real unification,” said Shawn Erickson, who oversees the Multi-Faith Centre. “Now more than ever it’s important to recognize fair and equitable treatment of all persons with a respect for diversity and sensitivity toward the multicultural reality of KPU.”
Based in Richmond, KPU’s Multi-Faith Centre is a coalition of diverse faith communities offering students, faculty and staff the opportunity to explore and respect the diversity of religious and secular world views. The Multi-Faith Centre maintains sacred spaces on campus in the form of meditation and prayer rooms on the Richmond and Surrey campuses. Currently four Christian and three Humanist chaplains.
The Interfaith Harmony Week closing event is an open mic night at KPU Surrey’s GrassRoots Café on Thursday, Feb. 9. All are welcome to share expressions of interfaith harmony, whether through music or spoken word.
For KPU’s Interfaith Harmony Week calendar of events, visit kpu.ca/interfaithharmony or the Multi-Faith Centre’s Facebook page.
Photos from the 2016 festival are available on Flickr.
About Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has served the Metro Vancouver region since 1981, and has opened doors to success for more than 200,000 learners. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs in business, liberal arts, design, health, science and horticulture, trades and technology, and academic and career advancement. Over 19,000 students annually have a choice from over 120 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, citations and apprenticeships. Learn more at kpu.ca.
Media contacts:
Tatiana Tomljanovic
Media Specialist
t: 604.599.2883
c: 604.364.1288
tatiana.tomljanovic@kpu.ca
Corry Anderson-Fennell
Manager, Media and Communications
t: 604.599.2840
c: 604.828.5232
corry.anderson-fennell@kpu.ca
For more KPU news:
@KPUmedia
kpu.ca/newsroom
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