KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives/Initiatives canadiennes oecuméniques pour la justice is a coalition of Canadian churches and religious organizations dedicated to promoting human rights, justice and peace, viable human development, and solidarity. The name KAIROS refers to a moment of transformation through faith.

Since the 1970s, Scarboro Missions has worked with the inter-church coalitions mainly in the areas of economic justice, corporate responsibility and human rights, particularly in Latin America and Asia. We have been much enriched by the opportunity to work with and experience the insights of other churches and religious congregations who share the concern for justice. Together we are able to raise a collective voice with a greater capacity to influence governments and public opinion while also providing research for justice education in our respective churches.

History

In July 2001, KAIROS brought together ten previously independent inter-church coalitions and consolidated the ecumenical justice work of the Canadian churches and related church organizations with the intention of ensuring continuity and enhancing coordination of research, advocacy, education and social mobilization. These ten coalitions were:

  • Aboriginal Rights Coalition (ARC)
  • Canada-Asia Working Group (CAWG)
  • Ecumenical Coalition for Economic Justice (ECEJ)
  • Inter-Church Action for Development, Relief and Justice (ICA)
  • Inter-Church Coalition on Africa (ICCAF)
  • Inter-Church Committee on Human Rights in Latin America (ICCHRLA)
  • Inter-Church Committee for Refugees (ICCR)
  • PLURA (Inter-Church Association to Promote Justice in Canada)
  • Taskforce on the Churches and Corporate Responsibility (TCCR)
  • Ten Days for Global Justice (TEN DAYS)

The new ecumenical organization provides continuity to the work of these coalitions and their more than 30-year history of highly respected research, policy development, advocacy and grassroots mobilization on a range of justice issues in Canada, Latin America, Asia and Africa. KAIROS will also continue to partner with local ecumenical social justice networks across the country and provide funding to help build the capacities of partner organizations in the Global South.

Work Priorities

The work of KAIROS is rooted in theological reflection and combines research, education, partnership and advocacy. Priorities include:

  • Defend dignity and human rights for all
  • Promote sustainable energy policies
  • Build right relationships with Indigenous peoples
  • Inspire Canadians to seek climate justice
  • Link women of courage around the world in common actions to end violence
  • Urge companies to respect human rights and ecological integrity
  • Join together across denominations in worship that inspires faithful justice

Contact Information

For more information, please contact:
KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives/ Initiatives canadiennes oecuméniques pour la justice
310 Dupont Street, Suite 200
Toronto, ON CANADA M5R 1V9
Tel: 416-463-5312
Toll Free: 1-877-403-8933
Fax: 416-463-5569
E-mail: info@kairoscanada.org
Web Site: www.kairoscanada.org

Monthly Newsletter

KAIROS also publishes a monthly bulletin. Visit their website to read the KAIROS Times Newsletter or to find out how to sign up here...

KAIROS News