A multi-faith event takes place in Abbotsford on Sunday, Jan. 15 in recognition of World Religion Day.
The free event, with the theme Spiritual Unity in the 21st Century, runs from 3 to 5 p.m. at Abbotsford Arts Centre, 2329 Crescent Way.
Speakers will be: Harold Rosen, interfaith educator and head of the Abbotsford Interfaith Movement (AIM); Rev. Bill Booth from Trinity Memorial United Church; Sharanjit Kaur Sandhra from the Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies; and David Karchere, spiritual director for International Emissaries of Divine Light.
Music will be provided by spiritual singer/songwriter Cathy Hardy and the One Voice Choir.
Abbotsford has a long history of interfaith dialogue, much of it previously promoted through Abbotsford Community Services.
AIM was started more than two years ago by Rosen to promote understanding, dialogue and respect among the different faith groups in the community, including Sikh, Muslim, Christian, Latter-Day Saints, Baha’i, Humanists and Emissaries of Divine Light.
As a sub-group of AIM, the Interfaith Refugee Project was formed in January 2016. The group sponsored a Syrian refugee couple and their young daughter to come to the community.
World Religion Day was founded in 1950 by the American Baha’is, and has been held every year since.
Everyone is welcome to the event in Abbotsford, which includes a discussion and refreshments.