Different prayers for different faiths may get ‘everyone on board’ with changing legislature prayer: Kinew

Manitoba’s premier, Wab Kinew, is advocating for a more inclusive approach to the daily prayer recited at the legislative chamber. Following a prayer summit held in September with leaders of various faith traditions and experts in secularism, Kinew expressed openness to the idea of rotating different prayers reflective of various faith traditions.

During the summit, participants suggested the implementation of a roster of seven to eight different prayers, representing a diverse range of faiths. This rotation could include prayers from Christian, Buddhist, Indigenous, and other religious traditions, allowing for greater representation and inclusivity.

The current invocation recited at the beginning of each sitting day at the legislature has been in place since 1937. While it contains no overtly Christian references, Kinew believes it still feels like a Christian prayer due to its language and structure. He emphasized the importance of updating the prayer to be more inclusive of people of different faiths and those with no faith at all.

Following the summit, the government compiled feedback from attendees and forwarded it to Speaker Tom Lindsey, who initially proposed the change. However, any decision regarding the prayer will require consensus among all parties in the legislature. The rules committee, chaired by the Speaker and including representatives from the NDP, Progressive Conservatives, and the lone Liberal member, will ultimately decide on any changes.

Kinew hopes that the opposition parties will see themselves reflected in the proposed options for a more inclusive prayer. He emphasized that the prayer is a significant moment of reflection for legislators to prioritize the greater good over partisan interests.

While the NDP government may face challenges in finding consensus with the Progressive Conservatives on this issue, Kinew remains optimistic about the potential for change. He highlighted the importance of democratic institutions evolving to reflect the diverse society they serve.

In addition to the proposed changes to the daily prayer, all parties in the legislature agreed to incorporate a land acknowledgement into proceedings in 2021. This acknowledgment recognizes the Indigenous land on which the legislature stands and honors the ongoing relationship between Indigenous peoples and the government.

As discussions continue on updating the daily prayer, Kinew and other leaders are committed to ensuring that all voices are heard and represented in the legislative chamber. By embracing diversity and inclusivity in this aspect of government proceedings, Manitoba aims to uphold its values of respect and unity among its diverse population.