World Religion Day event preaches unity, understanding

Dozens gathered at Barrie City Hall to observe World Religion Day on Sunday and enhance their understanding of different faith perspectives.

The third Sunday in January marked the annual World Religion Day observance, prompting dozens to gather at Barrie City Hall to celebrate and enhance their understanding of different faith perspectives.

Eight religions were represented at the event, which had the theme of building capacity for unity.

“It is so important to come together as a way of expressing your desire to be in unity and harmony with everyone else who walks this planet with us,” said Troy Roach, the event’s MC and a member of the planning committee. “We’re all on a common journey moving forward in the same direction.”

The event featured musical performances, speakers, sacred readings and opportunities to ask presenters questions. Barrie mayor Alex Nuttall, MP John Brassard and other dignitaries were also in attendance.

World Religion Day was first observed in the U.S. throughout the late 1940’s and early 1950’s.

“The goal is that folks have a takeaway, a better understanding of the diverse faith perspectives that intermingle with our society and the community on the streets that we walk and share with them,” added Roach.

One of the presenters was Catherine Manson, a priesthood member of the Community of Christ in Barrie and the daughter of a peacekeeper who served with the Canadian Armed Forces in the 1960’s.

“Peace has always been a part of my life,” said Manson. “We need to learn. We need to accept what’s happening in other cultures and other faith traditions and then we have to embrace that peace, that capacity to build together as a group.”