Casting off Fear and Building the Québec of Tomorrow

BY ISN STAFF | February 3, 2017

On January 29, six individuals worshiping at the Quebec Islamic Cultural Centre in Quebec City, Canada were killed in a massacre that injured eight others.

In response to the attack, Centre Justice et Foi (CJF), a Jesuit center of social analysis, research, and reflection, released a statement affirming the demand of Mohammed Yangui—the president of the Islamic Cultural Centre of Québec—that his people be protected.

The statement continues: “This feeling of fear is not new… Fear has been kindled by several events both here and abroad over the past fifteen years. It has had very real repercussions on the lives of men and women for whom faith and religious practice are important… Marginalization, a climate of suspicion, verbal and physical aggressions, and discrimination in varied forms have forced some to keep secret their Muslim faith in order to avoid stigmatization.”

CJF goes on to call upon lawmakers “to stop putting off indefinitely decisive action on hate speech, the emergence of far right groups, Islamophobia, the creation of a commission on systemic racism, and the establishment of citizen initiatives and spaces, taking in hand the challenges of a pluralistic society. These issues are necessary, and it is urgent that they receive parliamentary action and funding that go beyond partisan divides.”

Established in 1983 by the Jesuits of French Canada, Centre Justice et Foi takes a critical look at social, political, economic, cultural, and religious issues. This look is inspired by the Gospel and Ignatian spirituality. The aim of the CJF is to contribute to the construction of a common world based on justice, discerning major issues that cross the Quebec society and the world in light of fundamental values, such as social justice, equality, and solidarity. The CJF bases its analysis on a bias towards the excluded. The CJF is a recognized work of the Society of Jesus, funded by the Jesuits of French Canada.