(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.

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.

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.

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.

(June 1-5) - [ 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 is been excellent.

(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.

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.

We explored why religious literacy is so vital to police and how it can help them do their important jobs more effectively.

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.