Celebrating Love Today & Everyday

May 23, 2024

June brings with it a flourish of colours, voices of courage and resilience, echoing through the streets in celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride Month. At OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation, we find deep resonance with the spirit of this month, rooted as we are in values of respect, acceptance, and inclusivity.

Pride Month is much more than a vibrant celebration of identities; it marks a poignant moment in the history of gay liberation that stemmed from the Stonewall riots of 1969. This period of protests and calls for social equality underscores the enduring importance of Pride Month as a commemoration of progress, courage, and resilience.

Within the rich tapestry of human diversity—encompassing faith, culture, race, sexuality, and gender—we discover the true beauty of our shared humanity. OneSpirit is committed to honouring this diversity, fostering understanding across all differences. Pride Month beautifully mirrors our belief in the power of acceptance and living one’s truth.

Our role as interfaith ministers is likened to the many hues within a rainbow; we bridge gaps, connect diverse backgrounds, and stand for harmonious coexistence. Just like the colours of the Pride flag symbolise various aspects of the LGBTQ+ community, our community shines with diverse faiths, beliefs, and personalities living together in unity.

Every person deserves to love and be loved. It really is that simple.

This Pride Month, we extend a call to acts of loving-kindness within our community and beyond. Whether through a message of support, helping someone on their personal journey, or enriching your understanding of the narratives within the LGBTQ+ community, we believe every act of love counts.

At OneSpirit, we stand together, united in respect, acceptance, and pride, welcoming all individuals, irrespective of gender, sexuality, faith, race, or anything else. It’s in our differences we find strength and within acceptance, unity. Let’s uplift each other this Pride Month, celebrating the diversity of love and the universal journey we share. Love knows no boundaries, and our embrace should be just as boundless.

Here’s to embracing diversity, love, and pride, not just this month but every day.

GO BACK

Human Rights Day

Human Rights Day reminds us of our shared responsibility to uphold dignity, equality, and freedom for all. Inspired by our foundation's origins, we honour this day with a call to action, inviting reflection, kindness, and community efforts to support human rights worldwide.

Celebrating Bodhi Day

Bodhi Day, celebrated on December 8th, honours the Buddha’s journey to enlightenment and invites us to awaken our own compassion, clarity, and kindness. Reflect on the light within, and embrace acts of mindfulness and connection on this special day.

OneSpirit Faculty Reflections: Monica

In this first faculty reflection of our "OneSpirit Reflections" series, Monica Douglas explores the profound power of togetherness and connection. Reflecting on her experience as a tutor for the Class of 2024 OneSpirit Interfaith Ministers, Monica candidly shares the challenges and joys of guiding a diverse group of individuals through their journey towards ordination. With heartfelt insight, she highlights how true togetherness is not about agreement or avoiding difficult conversations, but about embracing differences and standing in loving connection, even through the messiness of life. Monica also speaks to the importance of nature in fostering a sense of unity and self-love, and encourages us to find solace in the interconnectedness of the natural world. Through her reflection, she offers a message of hope, reminding us that by embracing connection, we can create a better world—one relationship at a time.

All Saints’ Day: A Time of Honour, Reflection, and Interfaith Resonance

All Saints' Day, traditionally a Christian celebration honouring saints known and unknown, carries themes that resonate across many faith traditions. This article reflects on how the values of love, service, and compassion, central to All Saints' Day, are also present in spiritual practices worldwide. By recognising the common virtues that unite us, we honour not only Christian saints but also the countless individuals from all beliefs who inspire us to lead with kindness and purpose.

Scottish Interfaith Week

As Scottish Interfaith Week approaches from 11 to 18 November, we reflect on the resilience and vitality of interfaith engagement across the nation. Despite the closure of the larger interfaith network, local groups continue to foster dialogue and compassion. Two of our dedicated ROSIM members have reached out to share their involvement in exciting events during this week. Join us as we highlight these opportunities for connection, reflection, and growth within our interfaith community!

Transgender Day of Remembrance: A Call for Reflection & Action

Join us in honouring the Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20th, as we reflect on lives lost to transphobia and stand together for dignity, acceptance, and justice for all.

OneSpirit Student Reflections: Andrew

In this first student reflection of our "OneSpirit Reflections" series, a member of Aspen Class, Andrew, shares a deeply personal ceremony held at a local beach, marking the transition from year 1 to year 2 of their Interfaith Minister training. The reflection weaves together themes of gratitude, self-discovery, and connection to nature, as the student honours the sacredness of everyday moments and the role ceremony plays in their spiritual journey. This intimate experience offers insight into the evolving relationship between the student and the Earth, celebrating the sacredness of place and the power of ritual in marking life's pivotal moments.

Diwali: The Festival of Lights

Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is celebrated from 31st October to 4th November, symbolising the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. This vibrant festival invites us to cleanse our minds and homes, welcoming positivity and joy. As we illuminate our surroundings with diyas, let us also reflect on the inner light of kindness and understanding that guides us through life’s challenges. Join us in exploring the rich traditions and profound meanings of Diwali, a time for renewal and unity within our communities.

Enrolment is Officially Open!

Enrolment for OneSpirit’s Spiritual Development and Ministry Training program is open. With over 25 years of experience, it nurtures spiritual growth and leadership, fostering global consciousness, compassion, and interconnectedness in an evolving world.

Interfaith Dialogue

OneSpirit fosters interfaith dialogue,
where individuals from varied faith paths
engage in rich discussions to exchange
wisdom. The aim is to deepen understanding, cultivate peace, and promote
spiritual growth.

Redefining Interfaith: Holistically and Inclusively

We redefine interfaith to be more inclusive, embracing diverse spiritual experiences beyond traditional religions. Their vision fosters unity by honouring individual spirituality, aiming for a compassionate community that celebrates spiritual diversity.