Graeme Morton of the Calgary Herald covers the Cardus consultation, Planning in Good Faith in the September 21, Calgary Herald:CALGARY - With a Calgary skyline dominated by construction cranes and glistening towers of commerce, what room and role is there for our churches, synagogues, temples and mosques? That was the question which brought together local faith leaders, civic politicians, designers and architects earlier this week for the Living in Good Faith forum. The session, sponsored by the Hamilton-based Work Research Foundation, was not designed to generate quick answers but to start the dialogue flowing on the future of spirituality and city life -- stained glassed urbanism if you will. The local conference follows on the heels of the foundation's in-depth report on the role of faith in society in Toronto. "Religious communities are interwoven into the culture of our cities, so it begs the question what can they add to the urban experience," said Michael Van Pelt, the foundation's president. "You rarely see churches being recognized as a social pillar of society these days," he added. "But in just about every volunteer, cultural or social agency in this city, you'll find an undeniable contribution from Calgary's faith community." Van Pelt noted research by University of Lethbridge sociologist Reg Bibby which showed more Canadians (30 per cent) were involved in a religious organization as compared to similar groups representing sports, unions and professions, culture, education or politics. And yet the popular perception remains that faith has been badly eclipsed in this secular, individualistic and materialistic new world. One of the forum speakers, Rev. Eric Jacobsen, a Presbyterian pastor from Tacoma, Wash., said faith communities have created a network of relationships which makes them prime candidates to advocate for the homeless and marginalized. However, Jacobsen admitted that a collective belief in the Biblical instruction to be keepers of our brothers and sisters can be difficult in this disengaged age. "Does public life exist today, or are we just out there to shop or get something to eat?" asked Jacobsen. Panelist Dr. Terry Downey, president of St. Mary's University College, cautioned Calgary has a long way to go before it arrives at any urban version of the promised land. "This city has incredible wealth, but there's not much beauty for the homeless and mentally ill who are on the streets," said Downey. The pressures of a rapidly growing city are creating scenarios where the self-centred face of human nature comes to the surface. "In the last 50 years, the whole theme of urban life has often been one of segregation of people, not of integration," said Ald. Brian Pincott. "We need to discover and ultimately embrace 'the other' in our society, whether it's in financial or faith circles, and right now we're not very good at that," he added, challenging church communities to "show us the way." Nestled among the office towers and condos, Calgary's downtown core still contains a number of vibrant, historic churches, faith communities such as St. Mary's Cathedral, First Baptist, Grace Presbyterian and Knox United. Others, such as the former Wesley United, have succumbed to dwindling attendance and found new purpose -- in Wesley's case as Calgary Opera's headquarters. David Down, the city's senior architect/urban designer, said many churches remain iconic buildings, instantly recognizable in their communities. He notes a predicted dramatic increase in the number of people living downtown could revitalize existing churches and create demand for new ones. However, Down admits the Centre City plan for the future of the Beltline and the core, "deals with faith organizations only in a cursory way." Down said that large religious buildings opened in recent years, such as Centre Street and First Alliance churches and the Baitun Nur mosque, have all been located in light industrial or commercial areas, not residential neighbourhoods. Peter Burgener, a well-known city architect, told the forum churches continue to stand out as landmarks in a congested urban environment. "Church is all about community building; it's a place to go when no one else will care for you," said Burgener. "The spires of churches continue to reach up to the heavens. They serve as a vertical punctuation mark on our skylines."