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.

Brian participated on 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.

We explored 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 enjoy offering this workshop to city employees and also to partner organizations among the businesses in Chatham-Kent.

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 explored sacred texts from some of the world's major religions. We considered 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.

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.