Mr. Speaker, today leading scholars, faith leaders, diplomats, and members of the public will come to Parliament Hill for the fifth annual Parliamentary Forum on Religious Freedom.
The four previous forums touched on specific issues regarding the right to freedom of thought and belief. Each was thought provoking and challenged participants to recommit to new and different ways to this fundamental human right.
This year promises to be no different. This year's forum is entitled, “Religious Freedom or Secularism? A World Safe for Diversity: Living with our Deepest Differences”. We will explore whether an increasingly secular world can, or will, continue to support the notion that all people should be free to decide what they believe, should be able to daily practise their belief, and should be able to change their belief if they choose. This year, leading apologist, author, and social critic, Dr. Os Guinness, will deliver the keynote address. He brings decades of expertise and wisdom to this ongoing debate.
Canada sees these freedoms as essential. However, the way forward is not always clear. That makes tonight's discussion all the more important.