Each year on the third Sunday of January, World Religion Day is recognized around the globe. The purpose of this important day is to promote understanding, tolerance and peace between all religions, and celebration of people from different backgrounds. Acknowledge this important day with the help of the following tips.
Visit your local library. Libraries are a great starting point for any learning journey. A librarian can help point you in the right direction to find books, periodicals and other sources of religious information.
Talk to a friend, family member or coworker of a different religion. Ask questions about their faith, why it is important to them and how they practice their religion. It can be helpful and more welcoming if you explain why you are asking. They may have questions for you, too!
Attend an interfaith celebration or community events at your local religious institutions. Many places of worship celebrate World Religion Day with interfaith and community events. Research local temples, churches, mosques, synagogues, houses and sanctuaries for events near you.
Learn more about the world’s religions online. Harvard University offers a free, online class about religion called “Religious Literacy: Traditions and Scriptures.” Access the course here: https://www.edx.org/course/religious-literacytraditions-and-scriptures
Make it a family activity. There are many resources to help you and your children understand different religious backgrounds. From children’s books to community events, natural history museums to online resources, immerse your family in experiences different from your own. The BBC has a collection of kid-friendly videos and online resources to get you started. Explore https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/worldreligion-day-teaching-resources/zs6fsk7
Learning about and embracing different religions can help you gain deeper understanding of the perspectives, experiences and cultures of others.
