Episode Details

“Faith Leaders Across Alberta Oppose” features four leaders of the Alberta faith community with diverse Christian backgrounds who describe their spiritual journeys, articulate commitments to pluralism, and explain why more than 200 faith leaders signed a public letter opposing a recent Alberta government–backed Christian gathering that sought to shape policy through a narrow, right‑wing religious agenda. Across the conversation each of them stress the importance of inclusive public life, interfaith respect, and the “inherent dignity of every person,” warning against privileging one religious voice in policymaking and calling instead for leadership grounded in hospitality, social and environmental justice, “preference for the poor,” abundance rather than scarcity, and everyday spiritual practices that help people respond to rising fear, polarization, and separatist politics with courage, love, and shared responsibility for the common good.

Key themes which emerged throughout the four separate discussions are best summarized by Reverend Dr. John Pentland: hospitality, spirituality, social justice, and risk. Now is the time for faith leaders, all leaders really, to take risks. It has never been more important than right now.

Additionally, plurality is explained throughout this conversation. The importance of seeking different views and multiple outcomes. Not seeking one unified goal.

I am happy to hold more conversation with these leaders or others who support or have signed the letter of opposition. Here’s the full transcript to assist your listening.

Introductions to The Gravity Well and Alberta Faith Leaders

Jenny (00:00:04):

Welcome to the Gravity Well podcast with me, Jenny Yeremiy. I host the Gravity Well to celebrate and share the stories of people looking to empower others with the knowledge and skills required to reestablish stability in our communities. My mission is to work through heavy issues in conversation and process in order to lighten the load.

I acknowledge that I live on the traditional territories of Treaty seven and Metis Districts five and six. The treaties and self-governance agreements established by indigenous peoples are created to honour the laws of the land, maintain balance with nature and give back to uphold reciprocal relationships.

This knowledge and intention are what guide the Gravity Well conversations. I ask for genuine dialogue, real hearts, and openness to different perspectives. This is your invitation to find common ground with me.

Positions taken by participants, either individually or collectively, do not necessarily represent those of the Gravity Well.

This podcast is dedicated to the natural world, our children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and all future generations. The Gravity Well is on YouTube and streaming wherever you get your podcasts.

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Thank you so much for joining me, Leslie. I’m super pleased to have Leslie Gardner in the studio today. We are today speaking about spirituality and about the recent meeting that the provincial government had with some specific religious leaders and just to break down this issue and opportunity together. Leslie, can we start with a little bit about you, your spiritual journey and what brought you here today? Thank you.

Leslie:

Sure. Thanks, Jenny. I’ve had varied exposure to different religious organizations in my life. Started off Anglican and then as a kid in the country with a Baptist church and then as an adult, became Roman Catholic and I’m now participating in congregations that are Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. I’m also part of a group here in Lethbridge who started what we call the