Dedicated to promoting the positive role of religion in Canadian civil society, Dr. Geoffrey Cameron, a professor in the Department of Political Science, has been recognized with a King Charles III Coronation Medal.
Cameron, who researches religion, politics and refugee policy, received the medal in recognition of his work promoting inter-faith cooperation, working with faith and community leaders across the country.
The citation notes Cameron’s “outstanding service in fostering respect and understanding of religious traditions in Canada,” and notes the impact of his work in civil society and through his scholarship on the role of religious groups in refugee resettlement in Canada.
The commemorative Coronation Medal is awarded to Canadians who have made a significant contribution to their country or province. It is the first Canadian medal to mark a coronation.
“Receiving this honour is deeply humbling and I am sincerely grateful to the Canadian Interfaith Conversation for this unique distinction,” Cameron says, referring to the organization that recommended him for the medal.
Building relationships between religious, political leaders
Over the past 15 years, Cameron has brought religious leaders, academics, political leaders, and civil society groups together for a series of national conferences called Our Whole Society. These annual events explore how to bridge the religious–secular divide in Canada.
Cameron has also brought together religious and Parliamentary leaders to create the All-Party Parliamentary Interfaith Caucus, an initiative guiding conversations about religion and public policy across political parties.
Alongside his academic work, Cameron previously served as the director of public affairs for the Bahá’í Community of Canada.
“My engagement in community and public service has always been driven by a belief in its inherent importance to personal and professional life, rather than any expectation of formal recognition,” Cameron says.
The author of several books on religion, politics and refugee resettlement, Cameron is currently researching Canada’s asylum policy and Canada–U.S. cooperation on border issues.
The King Charles III Coronation Medal was created to mark the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and is administered by the Chancellery of Honours at Rideau Hall.