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EVENTS
We offer programs for the general public as well as educational programs and diversity
training for organizations and professionals in many spheres. If you want a
speaker or a program customized for you, please contact us.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sounds, Spaces and Celebrations – The Feel of the World’s Religions
(January 28 - February 18) - [Open] - This brand new series titled Sounds, Spaces and Celebrations –The Feel of the World’s Religions explores how we experience world religions through our senses—soundscapes, sacred spaces, key holidays, and sacred texts. Each of the 4 talks examines multiple religious traditions rather than focusing on a single faith. This is a great opportunity to have something to look forward to in the doldrums of winter.
Religious Literacy and the Welcoming Workplace - Central West Ontario Health Team
(February 5) - [Closed] - Brian will have a brief opportunity to speak with the Central West Ontario Health Team to speak to their equity and inclusion folks about how religious literacy can create inclusion at work and also help health professionals to be sensitive and culturally appropriate in providing the patient-centred health care.
Jehovah's Witnesses and Organ Donation
(November) - [Closed] - Hosted by The Organ Donation and Transplantation Alliance. We will be discussing how the Jehovah's Witness community views donation and transplants.
Week of World Religions- Road Scholar
(February 9-13) - [ Open ] - In this online program, participants will learn about 5 religions in 5 days through classes and interviews with expert practitioners. These programs are very popular, and the feedback from attendees has been excellent. Join today to learn from the comfort of your own home.
Religious Literacy and the Welcoming Workplace - University of Toronto Rotman School of Business
(March 19) - [Closed] - We will address how religious literacy is relevant to the workplace and how it promotes a greater sense of belonging, more divergent thinking, and thus leads to better results and performance.
Religion in Society - University of Toronto - Department of the Study of Religion
(March 26) - [Closed] - Brian will be part of a panel for the Department of the Study of Religion at the University of Toronto that focuses on PhD graduates who are using religious academic studies in ways that promote a positive impact in the community.
Police Religious Literacy Program
(March 31 - April 2) - [ Open ] - Encounter is hosting its annual 3-day police religious literacy program where officers and staff from across the country are invited to come learn about minority religious communities, visit places of worship, and converse with leaders about issues around policing. We will consider how police services can make workplaces inviting to minority officers, how to build trust in these communities, and how to deal with difficult issues around body s
Discovery Program
July 5 to 11, 2026 [ Registration Open ] Toronto - Discovery Week takes you on a journey both intellectually and experientially where you can taste, smell, and see the world’s religions. You will: Enjoy a Sikh langar meal and watch the community put their scriptures to bed Feel a mosque at Friday prayer and hear the sermon Explore fantastic Hindu temples Observe a Neopagan ritual Meet a Rasta elder Attend the Jewish Shabbat service ….and much, much more. Your registration fe
PAST EVENTS
We were delighted to have had the opportunity to offer these programs recently. If you are interested in hearing about what Encounter World Religions can bring to your organization, school, or group please reach out to us via encounter@worldreligions.ca
Zoroastrianism - Road Scholar
Zoroastrianism is a tiny religion today but it is studied in every university religion department because, as the ancient religion of Persia, it may have been the first monotheism in the Middle East with a powerful influence on later monotheisms to come.
Demystifying Sikhism
This is part of a series with the Region of Peel, with this session focusing on Sikhism. In this session, we partnered with our dear...
Week of World Religions
Road Scholar - We explored 5 religions through morning classes and afternoon interviews of five religious leaders, all done virtually...
OPP - Police Religious Literacy
We explored why religious literacy is so vital to police and how it can help them do their important jobs more effectively.
Religious Literacy and the Welcoming Workplace - CMRITO
College of Medical Radiation and Imaging Technologists of Ontario is an association of medical radiation and imaging technologists. We explored how religious literacy creates a sense of belonging at work and fosters connections that improve retention, communication and performance.
Exploring the Religions of the World - Road Scholar
Participants learned about 5 religions in 5 days through classes and interviews with expert practitioners. These programs are very popular and the feedback from attendees has been excellent.
Canadian Mental Health Association - Durham
Religious Literacy and the Welcoming Workplace We discussed how religious literacy can help staff better connect with one another and better understand those seeking mental health services.
Hallowed Spaces - Trees, Temples & the Shape of the Sacred - Road Scholar
Online Lecture: During this one-hour lecture and Q&A, participants learned about how sacred spaces are used in religious traditions.
OPP - Police Engagements with Jews and Muslims
We explored best practices regarding police interactions with two minority communities where specific knowledge of practices and traditions can allow officers to act with more skill and in ways that foster more trust with police services.
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