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Welcoming of Diversity - What Does it Mean?

On Sunday Bruce Curtis will address the service of the Comox Valley Unitarians on the subject of “Welcoming Diversity – What Does It Mean?”

On Sunday, April 15 at 4 p.m., Bruce Curtis will address the regular service of the Comox Valley Unitarians on the subject of “Welcoming Diversity – What Does It Mean?”

Bruce takes the view that our human interactions are shaped by our cognitive, emotional, and physical perceptions of the “other”. To be welcoming of diversity involves monitoring our perceptions, projections of stereotypes, and feelings about the “other” in as sympathetic a manner as possible as we grow into a deeper understanding of other cultures, religions, and philosophies.

We need to have knowledge about other cultures, positive emotional experience with differing cultures and traditions, and we need to see beyond physical difference in order to perceive the fundamental humanity in the “other”.

We also need a “theology of hospitality” which is rooted in a deep sense of connection and relationality.  In his work at the Community Justice Centre, Bruce has undertaken projects which try to engage in processes which allow for change in all three dimensions.

Bruce was raised in Vancouver in the 1950s, but has managed to overcome that experience and has been active for over 50 years as an advocate for social justice movements: anti-nuclear, anti-war, civil rights, women's and gay rights, restorative justice, and labour, an event spokesperson said.

In addition he has been a leadership volunteer with the Canadian Red Cross for more than 30 years. His diversity work has resulted in invitations to speak and collaborate at the national and provincial levels. He has lived with his partner, Evelyn Gillespie, in the Comox Valley since the late 1980s, but has family roots in Kye Bay back to 1911.

All are welcome to attend this service at 250 Beach Avenue (Comox United Church) and afterwards enjoy a potluck supper. Before the service, join the Early Bird sing at 3:30 p.m., which is child friendly and open to all ‘young-minded’ folks. There is both free childcare and a Spiritual Education program for children from Grades 2 to 6 which explores values, different faith traditions and explores the commonality of all religions.

The three- to five-year-olds are encouraged through the Montessori-based Spirit Play lessons to find their own truth and meaning while exploring the major questions of how we should live our lives. Rather than telling them what to think of believe, through “wondering questions” they are invited to explore and question through play and art.

Unitarians gather as a free community of spiritual seekers, and welcome all people of different traditions and beliefs. For more information, call 250 890-9262 or visit the Unitarian website www.cvuf.ca.

– Comox Valley Unitarians