Liberal Members of Parliament and Black Church leaders unite to foster community collaboration
SCARBOROUGH – Black Churches hold a significant importance in Canada. They are not only places of worship, but are also critical space for social activism and community organization.
On August 31st, Arielle Kayabaga, Chair of Liberal Black Caucus and the Member of Parliament for London West, and the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario and Member of Parliament for Hamilton West – Ancaster – Dundas, hosted the first ever Prayer Breakfast with Black church leaders. They were joined by the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Member of Parliament for Scarborough-Rouge Park, the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business and Member of Parliament for Mississauga-Streetsville, Shaun Chen, Member of Parliament for Scarborough North and John McKay, Member of Parliament for Scarborough—Guildwood. The Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities and Member of Parliament for Brampton West and the Honourable Greg Fergus, Member of Parliament for Hull Hull—Aylmer also sponsored this event.
During this meaningful gathering, Members of Parliament and Black Church Leaders from across the GTA came together in a time of prayer and fellowship. The unity displayed was exemplified by their commitments to work hand-in-hand towards a future where every member of the community can thrive and prosper.
While this was the first ever prayer breakfast, all in attendance were in agreement that this event will kickstart similar engagements between Black churches and Liberal Members of Parliament across the country.
Quotes
“Today, my colleagues and I gathered for a prayer breakfast with Black Church leaders across the GTA. We are grateful for their continued service in our communities and their faith leadership. Thank you to all those who attended and special thanks to my colleague Arielle Kayabaga for co-hosting this event.“ – The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario and Member of Parliament for Hamilton West – Ancaster – Dundas
“Faith is not confined within the walls of places of worship. It extends into our neighbourhoods, workplaces, and every corner of society. It compels us to advocate for equality, justice, and compassion. Today marked a significant milestone as the first Prayer Breakfast to be held with Black Church Leaders. The success of this event solidifies that it will not be the last.” – Arielle Kayabaga, Chair of Liberal Black Caucus, and Member of Parliament for London West
SOURCE Government of Canada
