We are thrilled to announce the plans for an ARPA event in Parliament on May 4, 2010. This year's theme is "Public Religion in a Privatized Society" and it features Ray Pennings, one of Canada's leading public intellectuals, from the thinktank Cardus.

This event is for MP's and Senators and we need your help in encouraging them to come. The formal invitations are arriving in Ottawa right now. Please send your own note to your MP (contact information here), asking them to RSVP. Here are the details:

Public Religion in a Privatized Society

Not so long ago, religion was the glue that knit communities together.  But recently religion has been shoved out of public life, viewed now as an improper public admission at best, or divisive and intolerant at worst.

New data emerging from all over the global north contends that Christianity's influence disproportionately accounts for giving, volunteering and belonging. The political distancing from religion is uprooting the social architecture that allows our society to thrive. Ray Pennings' thought-provoking talk provides tools for policy makers to acknowledge the importance of Christianity and religion while working within a secular and pluralist society.

Speaker: Ray Pennings is one of Canada’s leading public intellectuals, writing on faith and public life as a Senior Fellow with Cardus: www.cardus.ca.

Who: MP's and Senators

When: Tuesday, May 4th at 7:30 pm

Where: 308 West Block, Parliament

Please RSVP: By April 30, 2010 by emailing mark@arpacanada.ca or calling 1-866-691-2772

This event is brought to you by ARPA Canada. We are a non-profit organization promoting political awareness and action in Canada's Reformed churches. For more information about us, please visit www.ARPACanada.ca