unitarianfellowshipregina

The Unitarian Way

Presenter: Victor Lau

What is the Unitarian way? Victor Lau presented a sermon written by Rev. Brian Kiely of the Unitarian Church of Edmonton. Describing our Fellowship is a problem for many Unitarians because we are a religion without a formal creed. We don’t have that easy handle to hang onto. In our church school you will find no catechisms. You will hear no absolute pronouncements on what you must or must not do. After the presentation, fellowship members weighed in on their thoughts about Rev. Kiely's views.  Some in agreement, some at odds.  Normal in a Unitarian setting.

Reconciliation: What does it mean to me? To you?

Presenter:  Jane Knox

Jane describes her long journey to beginning to understand the issues that have created the injustices that continue to affect First Nations peoples at the hands of successive Canadian governments from the time that treaties were signed to the present day.

Veganism and Compassion

Jennifer Ashford is a vegan and animal welfare activist. Originally from Winnipeg, she spent ten years travelling the UK and Europe before settling down in Regina. Jennifer’s presentation starts with a brief description of Veganism, how she reconciled her love of animals and what was on her plate, and how easy it was to make the switch.

The presentation also includes a brief description of how animal agriculture affects the planet, both ecologically and economically, and how veganism is the most compassionate choice for the support of other species, and humans all over the world.

Creating a Welcoming Community for Refugees and Immigrants

One of the most important skills for a new Canadian to acquire is the ability to communicate with service providers, neighbours and employers in their new home.  Helen Christiansen will share with us her knowledge of and dedication to tutoring and teaching EAL to new Canadians.  Joanne Green will share some of the things she's learned helping two Syrian families to settle in Regina

Poverty

Activist Peter Gilmer talks about the work of the Regina Anti-Poverty Ministry and how the Provincial Government is actually sliding backwards in its commitment to end poverty in Saskatchewan.  He also tells us how we can help.

Proportional Representation

Presenter: Dr. Lee Ward

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For the first time in generations, Canadians see the possibility of meaningful electoral reform. The current federal government has committed to making the 2015 Federal Election the last one to use the old First-Past-the-Post system, which produces false majorities and effectively wastes the votes of millions of Canadians. If reform is coming, the questions then is: What type of system is best suited to Canada? Dr. Ward argues that some form of Proportional Representation (PR) is required in order to reflect the diversity of the Canadian political experience and in effect to make every vote count. He also tries to demonstrate that the Alternative Vote or Preferential Ballot favoured by some in the current government is not the best choice, or even a real improvement over the current flawed system.

Everything Under the Sun – in Observation of Summer Solstice

Presenter: Vincent Murphy

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Sun: The Eight Minute Marvel! How is it that people hardly ever consider the true source of their existence? Vincent Murphy takes us on a circular journey around and about Sun: a journey to discover Sun’s real and imaginary place in our whole-person human experience – from ancient to present times.

Who am I, now?

Presenter  --  Rev. Karen Fraser Gitlitz

At each stage in our lives we have unique gifts and challenges. As a multi-generational community, we have something to offer and something to learn from those who are younger and those who are older than us.

PeaceQuest Regina

Presenter: Florence Stratton and Ed Lehman

Did you know that Canada is considering joining the United States ballistic missile defence? PeaceQuest Regina is organizing a campaign against BMD and we are looking for suggestions. PeaceQuest is a national organization. Its goal is to promote peace in the midst of all the violence promoted by the Canadian state. It is grounded in the knowledge that there will be no peace without justice.

Amnesty International

May 28th marks the 45th anniversary of the beginnings of Amnesty International in 1961 by its founder, Peter Benenson.  Today, Bill Rafoss, a member of the national board of Amnesty International Canada (English Speaking Section) spoke to us about how human rights has developed as a concept over the years and how we must continue to be vigilant and not expect governments to lead the way on human rights development without our encouragement and input.