World Religion Day

World Religion Day History

World Religion Day aims to foster interfaith understanding and harmony amongst various religious communities. Established by the Bahá'í community in 1950, this day is an opportunity to acknowledge the diverse range of religious beliefs and practices that coexist worldwide. The observance encourages participants to embrace the similarities between faiths, promote dialogue, and work towards shared goals of peace, justice, and compassion.

The UK is home to a rich tapestry of religious communities, including Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, Jews, and Buddhists, amongst others. The history of religious diversity in Britain stretches back centuries, with various waves of migration and cultural exchange contributing to a vibrant mosaic of beliefs and practices. World Religion Day is an opportunity for people in the UK to come together to celebrate this diversity, learn from one another, and challenge any prejudices or misconceptions that may exist around different faiths.

World Religion Day is typically observed on the third Sunday of January in the UK and around the globe. Communities across the country hold various events and activities to mark the occasion, including interfaith dialogues, religious education workshops, panel discussions, and community service projects. These events foster connections amongst the diverse religious groups in the UK, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and harmonious society.

World Religion Day Facts

• In 2023, more than 50% of UK citizens identified as not being religious. There are still about 9.8 million Christians aged under 40.
• According to Pew Research, in 2023, the most popular religions in the UK are:
  1) Christians – 55%
  2) Islam – 5%
  3) Sikhism – 1%
• Houses of worship differ from religion to religion. Christians go to a chapel or church, Muslims go to a mosque, and Jews go to a synagogue or temple.
• Becoming Muslim or converting to Islam requires three main things: a formal statement of faith, called a Shahadah, in front of witnesses; proclaiming that there is only one God, that Muhammad is God's prophet; and converting freely, not by force.
• Interfaith dialogue plays an important role in increasing understanding of our nation’s religious and cultural diversity and bringing Australians closer together. The Australian Government supports interfaith dialogue at the highest levels - Laurie Ferguson, Australian parliamentary secretary for multicultural affairs and settlement services
• Despite the differences in teachings and practices, many religions share common values such as respect for human dignity, compassion for others, and the importance of peace and justice.

In the News and Trending for World Religion Day

World Religion Day Top Events and Things to Do

• Read a few pages from a different religion's principal texts such as the Qur'an, the New Testament, or the Hebrew Bible. Try to identify some differences and similarities between the teachings of the popular texts from different religions.
• Watch a documentary about religion. Our favourites include: History of Islam (2015), Prophet Muhammad and Women (2007), Scientology: The X Files (2010) and Losing God (2013).
• Create a comparison chart between the 5 most popular religions in the world. Compare religious texts, places of worship, holidays, and weekly rest days to see what similarities and differences you can find.
• Attend an interfaith conference near you. Many places of worship and government authorities host conferences about interfaith dialogue and understanding. See what your local area has planned for the day and go interact with other open-minded individuals.
• Watch Divine Women (2012). Historian Bettany Hughes hosts this three-part BBC documentary that provides an insight into the role of women in different religious traditions, focusing on Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.