Toronto Selected as Host City of 2018 Parliament of the World’s Religions

Toronto has been chosen to host the seventh Parliament of the World’s Religions in 2018. The parliament is the world’s largest interfaith gathering — more than 10,000 participants, including members and leaders from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, are expected.

At a news conference held May 2, 2017, at Toronto City Hall, Toronto Mayor John Tory voiced his support for the 2018 parliament: “Nowhere is our diversity more evident than in the variety of places of worship you can find in communities across Toronto. These institutions are an integral part of the social fabric of our city, . . . [and] our faith communities help build bridges of mutual understanding and make Toronto a welcoming place for people of all beliefs.”

Church representatives Jim Wilson, Toronto Ontario Stake director of public affairs; Helen Warner, Brampton Ontario Stake director of public affairs; Raquel Limon, Brampton Ontario Stake public affairs representative; Bishop Edouard Limon of the Chinguacousy Park Ward; Elder Loren Morse of national public affairs for the Church; and Michèle Hynynen of Canada Mormon Newsroom attended the news conference.

Dr. Larry Greenfield, executive director of the Parliament of the World’s Religions, said the 2018 event is an “extraordinary opportunity for people of the globe to engage in the crucial issues of our world, such as climate change, poverty and violence.”

Professor Mark Toulouse, co-chair of the host committee, added, “As one of the most international, multicultural and religiously pluralistic cities in the world, Toronto provides a perfect venue for the Parliament of the World’s Religions.”

The 2015 Parliament of the World’s Religions was held in Salt Lake City, Utah, where the Church is headquartered. The 2018 parliament will convene over seven days and include more than 500 programs, events, workshops and performances.