What is World Religion Day?

World Religion Day, held on the third Sunday in January yearly, is to promote inter-faith understanding, acceptance and peace by encouraging people to learn about other faiths and their followers. This year World Religion Day falls on Sunday 17th January.

How many religions are there?

There are many ways that people practise their faith and religion, but the 6 most widely practised religions of the world are Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism and Sikhism. Approximately 75% per cent of the world practices one of these 6 religions.

Why is World Religion Day important?

The day is encouraging learning about the religions that shape the world around you. It’s important to become aware of the different beliefs that just don’t appear in mainstream western culture, even if you are unsure what you believe or don’t believe at all. World Religion Day seeks to emphasise the similarities between these religions and encourage mature conversations about the role that religion has played in uniting people globally.

How can I celebrate World Religion Day?

• Learn about other religions and what they believe in and how they practise their faith
• Explore the similarities and differences between religions
• Talk maturely to your friends and family about what you believe in
• Do not discriminate against people of other beliefs, including atheists and agnostics (those who do not follow a religion or are unsure what they believe)
• Do not try to convert someone to follow your beliefs
• Remember that everyone is entitled to think what they want. Even if someone has a different opinion to you, that doesn’t mean that you are right and they are wrong, or vice-versa