THE NEEDS

Despite economic growth and technological progress, our world is in crisis: climate change is compromising the planet’s sustainability, rising inequalities are preventing the greater part of humanity from having access to basic human rights. Conflicts, poverty and climate change are triggering refugee movements. Political extremism is challenging democracy and international collaboration.

These contemporary issues are complex, often interconnected and of such magnitude that it is easy to feel at a loss to engage with them in meaningful ways in a daily life context. No one can tackle these issues alone, but we often lack the appropriate social settings that would allow us to talk with others and find ways to contribute to change.

Town of Ma’loula,
north of Damascus, Syria (33°51’ N, 36°33’ E).

Syria illustrates the link between the world’s social and ecological crises. Water scarcity, induced by climate change and exacerbated by the privatization of agriculture, sent many thousands of small farmers and their families to the cities. Access to work and food was severely compromised. This social unrest fuelled the civil war.

OUR MISSION AND VISION

Small group dialogue as a tool for change!

The name “Forum” was chosen to reflect the emphasis on people and the belief that small group dialogue facilitates change.

The Jesuit Forum was established in 2007 as the social and ecological justice centre of the Jesuits in English Canada in order to offer:

Ways for people to reconnect with the energy of their deep hopes for a reconciled and thriving world

Paths towards greater freedom and authenticity through the sharing of personal experiences

A friendly space where people can feel heard, affirmed and empowered to think and act differently

A new and creative way of engaging on ecological and social justice issues at personal, communal and global levels.

Boat in the marshes of the Okavango Delta,
Botswana (18°45’ S, 22°45’ E)

We are meant to live in harmony with our natural environment on which we totally depend to live and thrive. Reclaiming our connectedness with nature can be as simple as a single breath, by which we can become aware of our connection with every other breathing being around us…

SPIRITUAL FOUNDATIONS

Grounded in Ignatian or Jesuit spirituality, the Forum’s approach is built on the conviction that God is at work in the world, continually attracting people towards the greater good and inspiring positive change.

Faith is social at its core and is meant to play an active role in bringing about a more just and sustainable world.

The Forum’s small group dialogue approach creates a space for opening up to the leading of the Spirit and learning to discern “the signs of the times” on personal and global levels. This happens through a reflective approach of our experiences, contrasting what is energising and life-giving, with what is disheartening and draining.

This is empowering, as we open up to other points of view and realise that our deep aspirations meet those of others. The insights thus gained can confirm previous intuitions, but also open perspectives for new personal and communal engagement.

Boat in the marshes of the Okavango Delta,
Botswana (18°45’ S, 22°45’ E)

We are meant to live in harmony with our natural environment on which we totally depend to live and thrive. Reclaiming our connectedness with nature can be as simple as a single breath, by which we can become aware of our connection with every other breathing being around us…