Participants joined 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. We discovered the profound connection between Shinto and Japanese identity through its nature-based principles and historical significance.

This webinar explored how Organ Donor professionals and hospital staff can provide more meaningful support for families whose beliefs fall outside commonly represented religious frameworks. Participants were 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.

Toronto - Discovery Week took us on a journey both intellectually and experientially where we could taste, smell, and see the world’s religions. Participants: Enjoyed a Sikh langar meal and watched the community put their scriptures to bed Felt a mosque at Friday prayer and heard the sermon Explored fantastic Hindu temples Observed a Neopagan ritual Met a Rasta elde Attended the Jewish Shabbat service ….and much, much more. The registration fee covered all classes, meals, tra

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.