OTTAWA (CCN)—A B.C. theologian who has worked to build bridges between Christians and Muslims and a former Conservative MP who has long championed religious freedom have been appointed to the advisory council of the Religious Freedom Institute at the Ontario-based religious think tank Cardus.

According to Cardus, Victoria-based theologian Chris Stackarus while in seminary co-founded Neighborly Faith, “a charity that introduces Muslims and Evangelical Christians to one another on college campuses across North America.

He is completing his PhD in theological studies at the University of St. Michael's College in the University of Toronto where he writes on the history of Vatican II, said Cardus.

“An important part of my work has been to build bridges with the Muslim community in Canada and to speak out against anti-Muslim attitudes,” said Stackaruk.

“We can’t have religious freedom in Canada unless we genuinely respect our differences,” he added.

Also appointed to the Cardus council is David Anderson, who represented the Saskatchewan riding of Cypress Hills-Grasslands until last year when he announced he was retiring from politics before the fall federal election.

The appointment to the board gives Anderson another forum to continue to address issues that have been dear to his heart for years.

“Religious freedom matters to every Canadian, whether they are religious or not,” said Anderson in a Cardus press release announcing his appointment.

“I know that in working with the CRFI, I’ll be able to help more Canadians understand just how fundamental religious freedom is to the other constitutionally protected freedoms we enjoy,” said Anderson, who was a founding member of the International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief and Canadian Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief.

CRFI director Rev. Dr. Andrew P.W. Bennett said both men will bring “unique gifts” to the advisory board.

“I have worked with my friend David Anderson for many years in the field of religious freedom and look forward to the wise counsel and powerful voice he will bring to our work,” Father Deacon Bennett said.

He said Stackaruk “represents for me a new generation of champions of religious freedom,” he said. “His passion in publicly engaging different communities of faith in dialogue is a model to be followed.”