So Theology on Tap is hosting a night of politics and religion over drinks on March 24. The event will bring in city councillor Joe Mihevc to speak to Catholic young adults about faith and civic engagement.
“We invited Joe Mihevc to speak at Faith Connections’ Theology on Tap for two reasons. With his MA and PhD in theology and social ethics, and his long standing commitment to social justice, Councillor Mihevc is well prepared to speak about ‘Faith and Civic Engagement,’ ” said Vanessa Nicholas-Schmidt, Faith Connections program director. “It is our experience that young adults are looking for opportunities to think about and share the blessings and challenges of engaging their faith in everyday life, in their careers, in their relationships, in their service, in their economics and in their politics.”
The evening with the councillor will not simply be a lecture, but rather an opportunity for young adults to take part in an open dialogue, in a relaxed atmosphere and with people their age.
Civic engagement can be a difficult issue to discuss, even outside of a faith context. But, Mihevc says, “We must not shun what was clearly a part of Jesus’ ministry. He constantly asked His disciples to interact with the society of their day in any way that they could.”
When asked what verse in the Bible could accurately sum up his viewpoint on the issue of faith and civic engagement, Mihevc referred to Micah 6:8: “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Along with sharing his personal testimony and practical examples through which youth can engage in society, Mihevc will be drawing upon his Catholic faith, education and years of political experience to inform his talk.
He was the former Deputy Mayor of York before it was amalgamated into Toronto. Mihevc has served as a Toronto city councillor for the past two decades during which he has come to be known as a proponent for social justice and an advocate for community engagement. He has chaired the Community Services Committee, the Roundtable on Access and Equity and Human Rights, the Ethics Steering Committee, and is currently chair of the Toronto Board of Health. Indeed, Mihevc has a treasure trove of experience on both faith and civic engagement.
Past Theology on Tap events have been known to create a thought-provoking discussion in a comfortable setting quite well. With topics such as “Why does a loving God not end suffering?” and “Evolution and the Believer,” the series is an opportunity to be challenged in learning more about the harder issues of faith.
The evening with Mihevc will take place at the Duke of York Pub, 39 Prince Arthur Ave., from 7-9 p.m. and is open to all young adults (19-35), interested in being a part of the discussion about faith and daily life. Admission is free.
(Olivo, 17, is a Grade 12 student at Neil McNeil High School in Toronto.)