Sep 10 multi faith and multicultural event

On September 10, 2022, " Spiritual and Mental Health Starts with Community Ministries" organized by Venerable Xin Yin from the Mahayana Pure Land Temple and co-organized by Professor Henry Shiu of Emmanuel College, University of Toronto, in support of and responding to the mental health care advocated by the government was successfully concluded.

The event secured the venue’s sponsorship by the City of Whitchurch-Stouffville. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sent a letter to acknowledge and support the event, and the Mayor of the City of Whitchurch-Stouffville was in attendance. Participating ministries from different faiths, including Anglican, Buddhism, Muslim, Roman Catholic, United and Diverse Spirituality.

The Advisory Committee included Professor Henry Shiu and Professor Jennifer Bright from Emmanuel College, University of Toronto, and Rev. Dr. Dwight Biggs from the Royal Victoria Hospital. Ministry partners included Prof. Jennifer Bright, Dr. Faris Nimry, Rev. Fr. Darlington Oparaike, Rev. Andrew Macpherson, Buddhist Chaplain Joyce Lam, Zakir Savai Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), and J.J. Vivers. All ministry partners hold credentials of Master of Divinity or Master of Pastoral Studies, and have received professional spiritual care internship in hospitals. Some of the ministries are registered psychotherapist.

During the four-hour event, ministry partners served their practice in accordance with their faith traditions, integrating psychotherapeutic interventions to promote and educate spiritual and mental health through in-person interactions with visitors. For example, prayers, emotional counselling etc.

Except for the Buddhist Chaplain, all the advisory members, as well as six other religious ministries, drove from 50 kilometers away, some even more than 100 kilometers. Their participation was to foster mutual aid and support among religions and to promote inter-religious inclusiveness and harmony.