Multi-faith center for 2010 Winter Olympics

August 17th, 2006 by admin

The Interfaith Spiritual Society of British Columbia, representing Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh and other faith communities, has announced plans for the project at the Athletes Village site

Plans have been unveiled for a 25 million Canadian dollar (US$22.3 million) multi-faith worship centre for the 2010 Winter Olympic athletes which will, after the games, serve Vancouver for years to come.The Interfaith Spiritual Society of British Columbia, representing Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh and other faith communities, has announced plans for the project at the Athletes Village site near downtown Vancouver. Construction begins in 2007 and should be completed in 2009.

Derek La Croix, president of the society, told Ecumenical News International, “Vancouver is becoming known as a city of peace and a city of sustainability.” He said: “We are hoping that it will be a sign of hope to all the world that we can cooperate - all spiritual faiths and traditions - and respect each other.”

La Croix said the idea germinated in October 2004 during a visit of Nobel Peace Prize laureates the Dalai Lama and South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu to Vancouver when people gathered for a retreat that promoted peace and understanding.

“About 25 years ago, the Olympics mandated that each village have a non-denominational site for the athletes to worship,” La Croix said. “This, however, may be the first time one this size is intended to be carried on after the Olympics.” He noted: “It will not be a place of proselytising or conversion or anything like that.”

Article written by Ferdy Baglo

Source: Ecumenical News International (www.eni.ch)

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