The Parliament of the World's Religions is coming to Toronto

I had a remarkable experience recently attending a press conference announcing that Toronto will host the next Parliament of the World’s Religions in 2018. What made it remarkable were the conversations I had in one of the most religiously diverse groups I’ve ever been in. And this is just a foretaste of the parliament next year! 

 

Toronto was chosen to host parliament because it is the most multicultural city in the world. Most of us live as harmonious neighbours, colleagues, classmates and friends, yet local and global events reveal deep distrust between religions. We desperately need not only a demonstration, but a transformation, of interfaith harmony. Discussing this with a woman who earned her Master’s studying radicalisation and counter-terrorism, we felt promoting peace was stronger than fighting violence. Two thoughts emerged as ways to build this harmony: building relationships over meals, and publishing good news of the peaceful relationships we share. Breaking bread breaks barriers. Essential to bridging divides is coming humbly to the conversation. As a white, middle-class, Christian Canadian, I must listen humbly to my First Nations, Muslim, Hindu and Sikh friends to understand how Canada may not be as welcoming to them. I have to understand that for all of the blessings my faith has brought me, others have experienced Christianity negatively.

 

 

Breaking bread breaks barriers. Essential to bridging divides is coming humbly to the conversation.