With hope we act: A call for collective action in a troubled world

The connections between hope and a performance by the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra might not seem readily apparent, but in fact they run deep. Symbolic of how hope is fostered and expressed, their performance inspired much reflection amongst all those in attendance at the Canadian Museum of Human Rights, where I participated in the 2025 Canadian Interfaith Conference on behalf of Alongside Hope. Working toward peace within creation involves improv, it features different solos at different points in this song of life, it breaks previously established barriers, and we may find ourselves surprised by the collaborations and styles which, at first, might seem unorthodox, but they demonstrate just how intricate humanity really is.

The conference was called, “Our Whole Society,” and its focus was fostering hope, a perception of hope seen through the lens of the world rather than one particular faith — yet stemming from the values shared between many. People of various faiths came together to discuss the necessity and presence of hope for the betterment of humankind on earth, something which can be achieved when what is being addressed are world-based injustices and dangers such as mass violence, climate change, and disinformation in the media. We all ought to usher peace into this world that is so deeply divided, and this conference indeed shared this aspiration in its diverse composition.

The motif of hope as a “light in the darkness” was heavily drawn upon, but greater clarity explored what hope actually is and, inversely, what it is not. Hope is not a passive wish, but rather a courageous act embodied by resilience and inspiring action. In order to truly address the pain embedded in this world, we must address the problems at hand, educate ourselves on their complexity, embrace healing, and respond to suffering as the empathetic people we are called to be.

“Action is the antidote to despair,” said the Hon. Anita Neville, the Lieutenant-Governor of Manitoba, and first we need to ask questions, ask better questions, reflect, and be open to being transformed in how we see the world as we learn to care about all human beings. It is this empathy, achieved through connection and conversation, that inspires hope and, thus, action.

With the rise of hateful populism and the simultaneous creation of imagined enemies via propaganda, it is crucial that we learn “the language of empathy: the mother tongue of human beings,” said international human rights lawyer Dr. Payam Akhavan. This empathy does not have borders, and it is empathy which prompts people to view and treat one another humanely. It seeks accountability, requiring our collective engagement as people instead of bystanders, and Canada is not absolved of our compliance and participation in perpetuating injustice. Dr. Akhavan gave a warning that, historically speaking, ethnic cleansing was often equated with simply cleaning up so as to better society, and an unempathetic and uneducated population will and has allowed these injustices to occur. Yet there is hope.

Upon first hearing such a lament about the pain in the world, I felt a little disheartened by all that we, as a whole, allow, and not all that hopeful in society. The hope that I know to be true and rely on is in Christ Jesus, so I found it difficult to sit in a room with people talking about hope as if it is merely something found in the world. Yet there is truth in that we can see a reflection of our hope throughout said world, akin to how we can see the face of God in the people we love.

In a panel led by Elin Kelsey, author and environmental thought leader, there was evidence of hope, particularly discussed in relation to the environment. Several examples were shared of activists, governments, nations, and people of various faiths coming together to promote peace in the world and advocate for the environment. This ought to be kept in mind despite the disheartening myths that we carry.

A website dedicated to debunking common social and environmental myths, Gapminder, was suggested for us to view so as to challenge our potentially apathetic dispositions springing forth from a sense of futility in activism and action. “Climate doomism” — or the loss of hope — is actually a more pressing issue than those who deny climate change. Therefore, we must be mindful in how we talk about environmental problems and ask ourselves when posting something on social media or holding conversations: “am I creating apathy and only telling pain stories?” At the same time, these pain stories are necessary and lead to healing.

Our own stance towards hope and suffering must also be addressed. It is a choice to not adopt a cynical outlook on hope, a cynicism which is ultimately rooted in insecurity and apathy. It is a choice which is not ignorant of the discouraging aspects of the world, whether that be voting for a certain political party and having them lose time and time again, the influence of AI, and recognizing the systemic racism in Canada and its institutions.

Transformative Justice, which can counteract systemic racism in Canada, is aimed toward healing. In a workshop I attended, it was emphasized that healing must happen in accordance to each person and their culture, as we cannot expect everyone to respond the same way. The systems we have in place and the “solutions” available are not beneficial for all, as they do not have all in mind. For example, some will benefit from Healing Lodges rather than prisons. By inclusively respecting each other, though, hope and healing are readily available. 

There was much call to action throughout this conference, yet it ought to be noted that we are not beginning a new endeavour or responding from a supposed starting line. We are continuing the work started by our forebears, a resilient effort and one that refuses to give up on people. Surveys show, according to Ran Ukashi, the Manager of Research at the Canadian Museum of Human Rights, that there is an increase in people who want to do something in relation to human rights, yet they often only express specific concern when directly questioned. They need to be prompted, and those who especially require our assistance are the temporary migrant workers in Canada who can really only turn to places of faith for the support they need. They need us.

We as people of faith, though, need to address how we interact with and conceptualize bringing about hope. Hope is not a thing of the future, nor are the voices of youth. People often look to youth so as to feel hopeful, and youth in Canada are indeed getting involved, spreading awareness and organizing rallies. However, youth are not simply the future, as this devalues their current presence as people who should be worked alongside in the now.

Spaces need to be inclusive and we need to leave behind this belief of what Reconciliation Educator Colby Tootoosis calls “Adult Supremacy.” We need to rehumanize children and youth and, drawing from my own experience at this conference, treat them as engaged equals who can make critical observations, who can challenge flawed systems and be challenged themselves, and who need to be involved in these discussions if anyone desires relevant and applicable solutions.

Tootoosis, as well as many others, also spoke about what reconciliation truly means. Reconciliation cannot be merely a performance, and it is not just a matter of signing various documents. What are we actually doing when we acknowledge the land we are on? Are we just saying, essentially, empty words? How are we helping with, for example, the very pressing issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people? True reconciliation has liberation at its centre, with Indigenous voices at its forefront. Indigenous people are speaking up and out about the injustices they continue to face and what they need, but is the world listening?

Another workshop I attended was about Artificial Intelligence. Although it can be a useful tool in certain situations, it is void of what it means to be truly human. For the wellbeing of ourselves and our fellow people, we need to inform ourselves about AI and ground ourselves in faith. We must retain our agency as we work together as authentic human beings. 

We are blessed with brains meant to think through the issues of the world; God does not call for mindless or sleepwalking disciples. In this age of technology and social media, it is generally understood that we cannot “go back,” but we can still exercise discernment and live our lives for the well-being of others – another value spoken of amongst all at the conference. “Interhope” involves people coming together for interfaith discussions with a shared hope for peace, a hope based in faith which cannot be genuinely replicated by AI.

When we, as people of faith, come together, we can make real change. The government more readily listens to us speaking as one, and although politics cannot be entirely relied upon, when politics and faith work together, it can help to ensure and advocate for respecting human rights as well as climate action on local, national, and international stages. Governments, and especially not-for-profit organizations, can promote justice: action taken to ensure we are structuring a society where people belong and can express themselves. A just society is one which is built on hope, hope which prompts action, and action that is embedded with love.

Blaze Timothy Cucksey is in his fourth year of a BA (Hons) in History and English at Nipissing University, soon to be followed by an MA in History and potentially further education. He is a member of the Altar Guild at St. Brice’s Anglican Church and recently attended General Synod as a Youth Delegate representing the Diocese of Algoma. In his spare time, Blaze enjoys reading, birdwatching, and spending time with family and friends.