CRIC's monthly meetings have been held on a regular basis. At the beginning of the year, we tried to change the time of the gathering, to move it from 3:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., but after trying it twice, it didn't work out. We decided to go back to the previous schedule of 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Representatives are usually present and reaching a quorum is never a problem. The venues are announced two or three months ahead of time. The last meeting before summer, was held at Anna-Lee's place. This was followed by a pot luck and we were invited to bring friends.

We all expressed the desire to maintain two hours as the duration of our meetings. Because of the importance of "I and my Faith", we agreed to spend an hour on it. Each representative in turn, made a presentation for two minutes. Comments, questions and clarifications soon followed after the talks. The sharing was a momentous moment in that meeting and contributed in a special way to mutual understanding and appreciation.

Activities

1. Annual Spring cleaning

   Every year, the City of Ottawa initiates a community oriented project "Spring Clean Up". The City provides supplies e.g. garbage bags and different community associations' help clean up the parks for enjoyment of the general public. This year, Mooney's Bay area was allotted to CRIC for clean up.

2. Joy of Faith Concert at the SuperEx

   This program doesn't exist any more. A sub-committee has been formed with Bruce Lonergan, Blandine Stringer and Anna-Lee Chiprout in order to propose a similar activity on a national holiday or feast. This Sub-Committee will be reporting in the near future.

3. Interfaith Prayer Service

   This Interfaith Prayer Service took place on Sunday, October 23 at the Synagogue on Virginia Drive. It was a great success. Seventeen Faith Community representatives participated joyfully. A two minute prayer was delivered by each group in line with the Golden Rule. The Mayor of Ottawa sent his regrets at the last minute. He was suffering from a bad flu. The attendance was estimated at around 200 people. There was a mixture of participants. People from different backgrounds gathered for the service and positive remarks came from the majority of the people. The meeting concluded with an excellent reception provided by CRIC. There was a sincere desire from Rabbi Bulka to see this event happen again in his synagogue next October. On CFRA radio, Sunday, October 23, he repeated the same invitation. A heartfelt thank you to Blandine, Anna-Lee and Nimu who worked with me on this project.

General Remarks

The establishment of the Capital Region Interfaith Council is a great achievement in the city of Ottawa. I am convinced that the activities of the 2010-2011 year, which concludes today, have contributed to the advancement of mutual understanding and harmony among us for the common good of our region. This again is indicative of past years' activities. I like very much the idea of alternating the venue for the monthly meeting, because I am of the opinion that there is no better place to get to know a person of another faith, than to meet them in their place of worship. Religion is important to human life. Scholars do not cease repeating, that there will never be true peace in the world without first peace among religions. CRIC stands for mutual harmony and understanding. It stands for peace. It is my understanding that CRIC strongly believes that faith in action, depth and dignity stands as a major contribution to the common good. It leads to Universal Brotherhood. On behalf of the members of the Board, I thank you for having given us the opportunity to serve you. And on a personnel note, I thank for the trust you have bestowed on me to be your president.

Father Jacques Kabangu