What we do
Interfaith dialogue
Twenty-five years of sitting down together. Not to agree on everything — to know one another well enough that difference stops being frightening.
What dialogue means here
Nobody is asked to give anything up
Interfaith dialogue is sometimes imagined as a search for a lowest common denominator — a watering-down, where everyone sets aside what they actually believe in order to get along. That is not what happens at this table.
Members of the Council sit as representatives of their own traditions and speak from inside them. A Muslim speaks as a Muslim, a Jew as a Jew, a Christian as a Christian. The differences are real and they stay. What changes is that they are no longer strange.
Understanding does not require agreement. It requires presence.
How it happens
The gatherings
Some are annual, some are called when circumstances demand them. All of them are open.
Every January
World Religion Day
Each January the Council marks World Religion Day with speakers from several traditions on a single platform. In 2021 the theme was “A World Without Boundaries”, held online while the region was closed.
When it is needed
Prayers for Peace
On 28 October 2023 the Council gathered at Oakville Town Hall to pray for peace. Faith leaders spoke in turn; the room was full. When events far away wound people here, the Council’s answer is to stand together in public.
April 2026
Fasting, and what it teaches
Ramadan, Lent, Yom Kippur, Ekadashi, Uposatha — nearly every tradition fasts, and for reasons that rhyme. A panel drew out what each community learns from going without, and what they share.
Since the beginning
In one another’s houses of worship
The Council meets and speaks in each other’s buildings — churches, the synagogue, the mosque, the temple. Being a guest somewhere unfamiliar does more for understanding than any amount of talking about it.
December 2022
Hanukkah at the synagogue
Members of the Council joined Shaarei-Beth El Congregation for the lighting of the Hanukkah candles — one of many invitations extended and accepted across the years.
February 2017
“We stand with you”
After the attack on the mosque in Quebec City, neighbours of every faith formed a circle of peace around the local mosque. The banner read We stand with you. Nobody had to be persuaded to come.
Take part
Four ways in
Speak at, or host, a gathering
If your community would like to host the Council, or send a speaker to one of our events, we would be glad to hear from you. Most of what we do happens because someone offered.
Bring the Council to your school
Council members visit classrooms and school libraries to speak about their traditions and answer students’ questions directly. Teachers tell us the questions are the best part.
Join the table
Membership is open to authorised representatives of any faith, religious or spiritual group whose members or regular place of meeting lie within the Region of Halton.
Simply come
Our public events are open to everyone, of any faith or none. You do not need an invitation and you will not be asked to believe anything.
Getting in touch. We do not publish personal email addresses or telephone numbers for Council members. Messages sent through our contact form reach the right person, and we will reply.
Everyone is welcome at the table
Come and see for yourself
The next gathering is on the calendar. You are welcome at it, whatever you believe.