(May 20) - [Open] - 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 will explore the history of the papacy and examine several of the most influential figures to occupy the seat of St. Peter.

(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.

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.

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.

Hosted by The Organ Donation and Transplantation Alliance. We discussed how the Jehovah's Witness community views donation and transplants.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.