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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
Sacred Texts - Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Durham
(May 31) - [Open] - We will explore sacred texts from some of the world's major religions. We will consider how their ideas shaped human history, how their narratives and poetry influenced hearts and moral understandings, and also how these texts became sacred objects and even, occassionally, achieved personhood. Here are books that shape our world.
The Fourth 'R' in Education: Why Religious Literacy is Imperative for Our Polarized World
(June 4) - [Open] - Brian will be participating in a panel considering a new book on religious literacy by Leo Van Arragon titled "Reflections on Religious Literacy: Paradox, Promise and Politics in a Secular Age." Van Arragon completed his PhD at the University of Ottawa on this topic and his work is a deep consideration of the role of religious literacy in our education systems.
Religious Literacy and the Welcoming Workplace- Municipality of Chatham-Kent
(June 9) - [Closed] - We will explore why religious literacy is so important for creating inclusive workplaces, and how inclusion fosters greater teamwork, higher productivity, and enhanced employee well-being with positive implications for staff retention. We look forward to offering this workshop to city employees but also to partner organizations among the businesses in Chatham-Kent.
Closing Gaps: Understanding Belief Systems Beyond Widely Practiced Religions (Part I) - Organ Donation and Transplantation Alliance
(June 25) - [Closed] - This webinar will explore how Organ Donor professionals and hospital staff can provide more meaningful support for families whose beliefs fall outside commonly represented religious frameworks. Participants will be invited to move beyond the comfort of familiarity and toward a practice rooted in curiosity, humility, and affirming care — ensuring that every family, regardless of belief system, receives the meaning, intentional support they deserve.
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 fee c
Shinto - Japan's Indigenous Religion - Road Scholar
(July 29) - [Open] - Join religion scholar Brian Carwana to explore Shintoism, Japan’s indigenous religion, and the intricacies of Shinto, a unique belief system with no founder, sacred texts or formal doctrines. Discover the profound connection between Shinto and Japanese identity through its nature-based principles and historical significance.
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
The Papacy - History, Power & Influence - Road Scholar
The papacy is one of humanity’s oldest and most influential institutions. Over centuries, popes have brokered peace, launched wars, encouraged colonial expansion and at times sought to restrain its excesses, shaping ideas about morality, sexuality and political authority across the Western world. We explored the history of the papacy and examine several of the most influential figures to occupy the seat of St. Peter.
Week of World Religions- Road Scholar
In this online program, 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 is been excellent.
Sounds, Spaces and Celebrations – The Feel of the World’s Religions
This brand new series titled Sounds, Spaces and Celebrations –The Feel of the World’s Religions explored how we experience world religions through our senses—soundscapes, sacred spaces, key holidays, and sacred texts. Each of the 4 talks examined multiple religious traditions rather than focusing on a single faith. This was 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
Brian had 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
Hosted by The Organ Donation and Transplantation Alliance. We discussed how the Jehovah's Witness community views donation and transplants.
Religious Literacy and the Welcoming Workplace - University of Toronto Rotman School of Business
We addressed 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
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
Encounter hosted its annual 3-day police religious literacy program where officers and staff from across the country were invited to come learn about minority religious communities, visit places of worship, and converse with leaders about issues around policing. We spoke about 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 searches, trauma, etc.
Police Religious Literacy - Ontario Association of Chief of Police
Brian provided two talks to police officers from several services as part of a training in religious literacy, in factors to consider when dealing with certain religious minorities, as well as background on geopolitical conflicts playing a big role in our civic life.
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