Iona Pacific Inter-Religious Centre
Social ActionResearch
Contemplative Practice
Mission
Iona Pacific is the inter-religious and multi-cultural context for Vancouver School of Theology’s core work of preparing leaders for tomorrow’s world. The new Centre will research and implement new ways of facing critical local and global challenges to the well-being of the next generation of our shared communities. It will draw upon the world’s wisdom traditions in order to foster a common sense of purpose, respect for differences, and socially engaged learning with academic and lay leaders, elders and youth, from North America and beyond.
Focus
Iona Pacific will address how religious traditions can illuminate and enhance productive responses to complex social problems of this era, such as trans-generational urban and rural poverty, climate change and environmental degradation, alienation and despair among youth. Iona Pacific will seek partnerships with First Nations and other ethno-religious, cultural, and secular communities, leaders, scholars, and institutions keen to pursue inter-religious social action and research. Iona Pacific will seek to model dialogical, constructive, and innovative research, learning and social engagement.
Programs
• innovative research projects
• research-driven, social action partnerships
• visiting scholar programs
• inter-communal forums
• workshops, seminars, courses (including degree courses)
• curricular resources
• print and new media publications for the academy and beyond
Contact
Rabbi Dr. Robert Daum, Director of Iona Pacific Inter-Religious Centre and Associate Professor of Rabbinic Literature and Jewish Thought
Email Robert
604-827-4742
