Festival Celebrates Harmony and Mutual Respect Among Faith Groups

Building relations with people of different faiths and beliefs was the goal of Burlington’s first interfaith multicultural festival held August 19, 2017. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints participated in the fun-filled event that offered exhibits from  various faiths, foods from different cultures, singing, games and dancing.

Rory Nisan, lead organizer for the One Burlington Festival, shared his belief that “multiculturalism, inclusion and interfaith understanding cannot be taken for granted. We have to nurture them as one community.”

Brian Weatherdon, bishop of the Burlington Ward, opened the onstage cultural program by introducing the first musical performance, which was entitled “Saviour, Redeemer of My Soul.” Weatherdon reminded participants that through “harmony and respect for each other, we can give witness to our Saviour’s love, which can heal our souls and our society from hatred and bigotry.”

The faith group exhibits were the highlight of the festival, providing an opportunity for participants to meet people who practice different faiths and to learn of their customs and beliefs. Visitors to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ exhibit learned that Jesus Christ is central to the Church, which bears His name. They also learned that Latter-day Saints try to follow Jesus Christ’s example of caring for the poor and needy, doing so through Churchwide and local humanitarian service efforts, which offer hope to millions of people around the world.

Other faith groups who exhibited at the festival included Bahá’ís of Burlington, Burlington Baptist Church, Guru Ravidass Gurudwara Sahib, Halton Islamic Association, Knox Presbyterian Church, St. Luke’s Anglican Church and Wellington Square United Church.

Respect for the diverse beliefs and unique contributions of the world’s faiths is one of the hallmarks of Mormonism: “We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may” (Articles of Faith 1:11).