Encounter World Religions Centre

There has been a rash of anti-Muslim and antisemitic hate crimes lately. This seemed like an appropriate time to revisit what is happening in Israel/Palestine and how all of this continues to impact the safety of ordinary Muslims and Jews going about their day in North American cities. We hope you find the blog informative on the situation and some things you can do to help those around you.
Read more here: https://mailchi.mp/worldreligions/the-israelipalestinian-conflict-today

At this time of year, many of us take a break to rest, to recover, and sometimes to reconsider and re-evaluate. The world's religions are big fans and proponents of pausing and have incorporated practices and traditions that intentionally build in times to stop and to reflect. In today's blog, we look at the widespread religious practices around pausing.

Read more here: https://mailchi.mp/worldreligions/the-value-of-pausing

August 1 marks the Pagan or Wiccan holiday: Lughnasadh. This Gaelic festival and Irish holiday honours the first day of the harvest season. It occurs on the halfway point between the summer solstice and the fall equinox. Also known as Lughnasa.

Read more in our recent blog: https://religionsgeek.com/wicca-beliefs-beltane-festival/

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Shinto – Japan's Indigenous Religion with Road Scholar.

Together with religion scholar Brian Carwana, we explored Shinto, Japan's indigenous religious tradition, discovering a belief system with no single founder, sacred text, or formal doctrine. From its deep connection to nature to its enduring influence on Japanese identity and culture, the conversation offered fascinating insights into one of the world's unique religious traditions.

A special thank you to Road Scholar for partnering with us, and to Alison Evans for helping make this engaging learning opportunity possible. We appreciate everyone who spent time with us exploring the rich diversity of our world's religious traditions.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Closing Gaps: Understanding Belief Systems Beyond Widely Practised Religions (Part I) in partnership with the Organ Donation and Transplantation Alliance.

We were honoured to explore how organ donor professionals and hospital staff can provide more meaningful support for families whose beliefs fall outside commonly represented religious frameworks.

This work is rooted in curiosity, humility, and affirming care. Every family deserves intentional support that honours their unique belief system.

We look forward to continuing this vital dialogue in Part II with the Organ Donation and Transplantation Alliance.

A special thank you to Deanna Fenton for quarterbacking this whole event and to the excellent panelists, Keila Franks, AJ Gardener, and Janalee Morris, who provided excellent insights throughout.

Thank you for being part of this essential discussion.

July 23 marked one of the most holy days of the calendar for Rastas. It celebrates the birth of Haile Selassie I, who was the emperor of Ethiopia from 1930 to 1974. Politically, he sought to modernize his country and some of his greatest achievements included bringing Ethiopia into the League of Nations and the United Nations and establishing the capital of Addis Ababa as the major centre for the Organization of African Unity (now African Union). Celebrations for the day may include prayers, reggae music, dancing, drumming called Nyabinghi sessions, chanting, and sharing of food and cannabis.

But his legacy extends far beyond the political. The Rastafari movement emerged in the 1930s, in Jamaica, in large part inspired by the vision of Marcus Garvey and it began when Selassie was crowned Emperor of Ethiopia. Many Rastas believe he was the second coming of Christ, who returned to redeem all Black people while others believe he was a prophet. In fact, the religion takes its name from Selassie’s precoronation name Ras (meaning Prince) Tafari.

Rastafari melds belief in elements of the Bible with mysticism and Black power. Rasta practices including include prayer and meditation, smoking g***a (ma*****na) which is considered a sacred plant, drumming, living a balanced and natural lifestyle exemplified by eating a natural vegetation diet called ital, and wearing Dreadlocks.

The cultural perception of Rastas is often at odds with their strict adherence to a balanced, healthy lifestyle, deeply held religious beliefs and commitment to social and environmental justice.

Day 4 of Discovery Week: Buddhism (including a talk on Buddhist ethics and a meditation, and visiting two very different Buddhist sites) and Zoroastrianism.

Discovery Week:
7 Days. 11 religions. Classes + visits.
https://www.worldreligions.ca/discovery-week

14 Days. Five Cities. Six Religions. One Extraordinary Learning Journey.

India is one of the world's most remarkable places to explore religion in lived experience. From ancient sacred sites to vibrant festivals and everyday practices, it offers an extraordinary opportunity to deepen our understanding of faith, culture, and history.

In March 2027, participants in Discover India will spend 14 days travelling across North India, visiting five cities, encountering six major religious traditions, celebrating Holi in Varanasi, and learning alongside expert guides whose scholarship and lived experience bring each destination to life.

For more than 25 years, Encounter World Religions has created educational journeys that encourage thoughtful engagement, meaningful dialogue, and a deeper appreciation of the world's religious diversity.

We are delighted to share that Discover India 2027 is now fully booked. Thank you to everyone who has registered for this unique learning experience.

If you were unable to secure a place, we invite you to sign up for the information night this Thursday evening. If you can attend you will learn more about the trip which we are likely to repeat in 2028. But even if you are unable to attend the info session, it will get you on our list of interested parties as the response this year suggests future programs may sell out quickly. Being on the info night list will help ensure you get early notice.

Discover India 2027
March 17–30, 2027

Organized in partnership with Off the Map Adventures (TICO Reg. #50011775)

Join the waitlist: worldreligions.ca/discover-india-2027

Day 2 of the Discovery Week was awesome. We heard from a very well spoken Indigenous elder and visited 3 Hindu temples.

Discovery Week:
7 Days. 11 religions. Classes + visits.
https://www.worldreligions.ca/discovery-week