The Faith Politics Interface Program contributes to the strengthening of Canadian democracy by facilitating unique, valuable and practical learning opportunities for people of all faiths to ensure that their democratic participation is both an asset to our political processes, and a credit to their faith.

The program is not designed to mobilize persons toward support of particular political issues, positions, or parties.

The vision of the Faith-Politics Interface Program is to encourage and equip Canadians of faith to apply their faith-based values within the political arena, in a manner consistent with democratic principles, so as to responsibly and measurably impact the political culture of Canada.

Persons interested in and benefiting from this training may include elected officials, political staff, public servants, policy makers, students, academics, teachers, legal and business professionals, civil society and interest group activists, leaders of faith communities, faith-based volunteers, media and communication professionals, and others.

The Faith-Politics Interface Program’s learning methods include multi-media presentations, panel discussions, group conversations/workshops, and unique educational visits to parliaments, legislatures and city halls.

Participants are led through a personal analysis and equipped to produce their own plan for credible political involvement, whether it be in – citizenship, voting, formal education, life long study, volunteering, employment, holding political office, mentoring, or political infrastructure building.

The Manning Centre conducts seminars for faith-oriented Canadians on how to participate wisely, graciously, and responsibly in the political arena. These seminars are designed to strongly discourage political and religious extremism. The attendance of representatives of a faith-based organization at a Manning Centre seminar does not imply the Manning Centre’s endorsement of that organization or vice-versa.

Over the first 3 years of the program’s existence, training has been offered mostly through seminars, but also through written and audio-visual materials made available upon request. Eight seminars have been conducted amongst four of Canada’s faith communities (Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh). Over 700 Canadians have received this training and many of whom are continuing on to public participation.

How you can participate
If you are interested in helping to organize a faith-politics interface learning event in your community, or want more information, please contact Program Director Wes McLeod wmcleod@mcbd.ca