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Sharing Wisdom: Inspiring Fireside Chat with Fr. Séamus Finn, OMI & Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR) Elders April 7th, 2025

Keep the Fire Going
(By Matthew Illian, Director of Responsible Investing, United Church Funds)

 
As we gathered at the Interfaith Center “God Box” for February’s Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility’s (ICCR) conference, many of us carried a troubled spirit. You didn’t hear any lamenting, but you could sense our weariness in the way we greeted one another. Whether with words, a smile, or a hug, our interactions were more heartfelt than usual. We weren’t just saying hello; we also came seeking something – perhaps reassurance.
 
We were two months into rapid-fire Executive Orders from the Trump Administration, and many were witnessing their efforts to uphold a more just and equitable society being dismantled nearly overnight. In planning this conference, we determined that it was essential to turn to the elders of the ICCR community. We were eager to know how they kept the fire going through distressing times. How had they persevered through the ups and downs of political regime changes?
 
The session was dubbed a “Fireside Chat with ICCR Elders”. As it began, Sister Barbara Aires, Steven Heim, Fr Séamus Finn, OMI and Bill Somplatsky-Jarman (SJ), who had collectively served the ICCR community for over 140 years, started sharing their stories.
 
One of the recurring themes was about the power of persistence. Both Steven and Sister Barbara shared stories of their unwavering determination, such as calling corporate offices on a daily or weekly basis.
 
 
WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://bit.ly/3R0BuyT
 
 

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