Chander Khanna and David Cherniack helped bring the 2018 Parliament of the World’s Religions to Toronto, creating a gathering centred on inclusion, interfaith participation and cultural exchange. Their vision included opportunities for people from different faith traditions to participate together, alongside an evening concert series featuring performers from around the world.
The Story
Chander Khanna and David Cherniack saw the 2018 Parliament of the World’s Religions as an opportunity to bring the themes of inclusion and love to life in Toronto. Drawing on decades of interfaith work in the city, Khanna described how spaces could become places of worship for different faith traditions, allowing people not only to observe one another’s traditions but to participate and share in them together.
Their vision for the Parliament also extended beyond its formal programming. Cherniack helped develop an “After Hours” concert series for each night of the event, with simultaneous performances and major artists from around the world. Together, these elements were intended to create opportunities for international delegates to connect through faith, tradition, music and shared participation.
