The perverse logic of selfishness must be replaced with the logic of love.
Miguel d'Escoto
The Forum process attempts to find some meaning in our confused and uncertain times. The goal is to counteract the growing privatization of people’s faith and deepest convictions. The authentic dialogue we are promoting fosters listening and a way to find common bonds and actions. It turns problem-solving on its head and focuses on meaning and motivation.
The Forum builds on the Jesuit tradition that centres on the personal experiences of minds and hearts of people and particularly on those who can and do influence change. This is a postmodern approach that is sensitive to persons who refuse to be used instrumentally by technology, and are skeptical of traditional institutional ways, by providing an open space for various forms of deeper dialogue. The Forum tries to get beneath the debate to a deeper level of free and trusting conversation.
Since October 2007, the Forum has conducted many small gatherings with leaders and decision-makers among university students, high school teachers, social justice and health workers, education consultants and executives, as well as economists and theologians, etc.
We are slowly breaking into the corridors of power in the confident expectation we will soon be leading forums with leaders in these sectors. Since our approach is new and somewhat counter-cultural, we spend substantial time meeting with very busy senior administrators in health-care, education, labour, business, politics and communications, etc., acquainting them with our way of proceeding. To date all our contacts have appreciated the significant value of what we are trying to do.
The Jesuit Forum office is at Loretto College on the University of Toronto campus. Its director is Peter Bisson sj, an experienced specialist in social discernment and ‘reading the signs of the times’. Bill Ryan sj, a professional development economist and long-time administrator and social justice analyst and educator is acting director. Our program director is Anne-Marie Jackson, a global justice popular educator who worked for many years with Development and Peace.
The Forum is operating presently with the support of the Jesuits and their voluntary service and the support of friends with a $150,000 budget. We generally charge for our services but still need the precious financial support of those who see the significance of what we are attempting to do.
We are incorporated and can issue charitable tax receipts. Our charity registration number is:
11897 3742 RR0001
If you would like to make a donation, kindly send a cheque to:
Jesuit Forum for Social Faith and Justice
70 Saint Mary Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1J3
