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.

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.

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 has been excellent.

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.

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.

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.

In this session, Brian hadl dialogue with a speaker from the Christian community about how to create a workplace that is welcoming for Christians. This is part of a series with the Region of Peel, and included some basics about the tradition, things people don't know, misconceptions, and practical tips and advice.