The Religion and Diversity Project

Canada often prides itself as being a culturally and religiously diverse nation, open and welcoming to all races and creeds. Indeed it is true that Canadians come in all colours, shapes, and sizes, however, how much do we really know about the challenges of religious diversity in Canada? A new seven year, $2.5 million study by the University of Ottawa is going to find out.

As reported by the Ottawa Citizen, Lori Beaman, a professor of religion in contemporary Canada at the university, has received a $2.5 million grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council to lead the nation-wide study titled “The Religion and Diversity Project.” Beaman’s research team of 36 “world-class researchers” who largely come from universities in Ottawa, Montreal, and Victoria will work alongside international colleagues from Australia, France, the United Kingdom and the United States. The study will to tackle four major questions concerning Canada’s religiously diverse and ever-evolving landscape: “How are religious identities constructed; how is religious expression defined and limited in law and public policy; how and why do gender and sexuality act as flashpoints in debates on religious freedom and what are the alternative strategies to manage religious diversity?”

"Understanding the role of religion in contemporary society is key to understanding who we are as human beings, how societies work and how political systems work," said Beaman.

We live in a time where religion can be a troublesome issue, especially when mixed with politics. Matters such as Muslim women fighting for the right to wear niqabs, and Hutterites fighting for the right to not have their pictures on drivers’ licenses, are just a few issues we face. However uncomfortable the conversation may be, it is one that Beaman feels is necessary.

"To ignore religion is to ignore an important facet of contemporary social life," said Beaman.

“Religion, diversity and identity are central in current public discourse in Canadian society. Such research fosters an inclusive and open dialogue that contributes to strengthening social cohesion,” said Mona Nemer, vice-president, research at the University of Ottawa.

I must shamefully admit, before hearing about this study, I never gave much thought to the challenges of religious diversity in Canada. And unless you belong to a religious minority in Canada, I doubt you have given much thought to it as well. This is why I believe the work that Beaman and her team will do over the next seven years is so important. I just don’t know if I can wait that long to see the results!

Website: www.uottawa.ca