Premier Kenney Revives Christian Prayer Breakfast

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Journal Pioneer


EDMONTON -- Alberta Premier Jason Kenney is reviving the tradition of a provincial Christian prayer breakfast, calling it one sign of respect for religious freedom in a diverse society.

“This prayer gathering today is not a threat to pluralism. It is pluralism in action,” Kenney told the nearly 700 legislature members, pastors and other guests on Nov. 25 at the Edmonton Expo Centre.

“An authentic pluralism is one that truly respects the beliefs of our fellow citizens and recognizes that for millions of Albertans their beliefs are informed and rooted in religious traditions,” he said.

The event was the first of its kind in five years. Reaction exploded on social media, with many criticizing it as an attack on separation of church and state and an example of religion interfering with political affairs.

“Much of that criticism seems to focus on this being a Christian event in particular,” said the United Conservative Party premier, himself a Catholic. “It is peculiar that those criticizing my participation in a Christian gathering are very silent when I’ve participated in dozens of events organized by other faith communities, including those of Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, Buddhist, Baha’i and other faiths.”

Premier Kenney, it should be noted, is an Ordinariate Catholic.

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