World Religion Day 2025: Facts, Information and Resources
On 19th January 2025, people worldwide will come together to celebrate World Religion Day, observed annually on the third Sunday of January.
World Religion Day encourages interfaith understanding, dialogue, and unity. In a time when global communities are more interconnected than ever, the day’s purpose has taken on a contemporary relevance that goes beyond traditional observance.
What Does World Religion Day Celebrate?
At its heart, World Religion Day celebrates the shared values of humanity that transcend religious boundaries. It was initiated in 1950 by members of the Bahá’í faith, a religion founded in the 19th century that emphasises unity, peace, and the oneness of humanity.
The Bahá’í faith, which originated in Persia (modern-day Iran), was established by Bahá’u’lláh, regarded by followers as a divine messenger.
The Bahá’í faith’s central principles include the equality of men and women and the importance of universal education. The religion arose in the mid-1800s during a time of significant social and religious disorganisation in Persia, with Bahá’u’lláh teaching that humanity was entering an age of maturity where cooperation among nations and faiths was essential for progress.
The Lotus Temple, New Delhi, India. Bahá'í House of Worship completed in 1986.
World Religion Day was envisioned as a platform to promote this spirit of unity. Initially celebrated by Bahá’í communities in the United States, the observance quickly gained traction among other religious groups.
The day underscores the idea that all major religions share fundamental principles, such as love, justice, and compassion, and that these shared values can serve as a foundation for dialogue and collaboration.
Why Is World Religion Day Important in the UK?
As the world becomes more interconnected, the challenges of misinformation and growing political polarisation continue to pose threats to societal harmony. For audiences in the UK, these issues have particular relevance in 2025, where social, political, and cultural divides often dominate the national conversation.
Far-right rioters attacking hotel housing asylum seekers in August 2024.
The essence of World Religion Day lies in creating bridges. Whether through face-to-face interactions or virtual connections, the goal remains to encourage individuals to see beyond stereotypes and focus on shared values. It is a reminder that in our increasingly fragmented world, unity can be found in diversity.
There is an important contemporary truth: the challenges of the modern world cannot be tackled in isolation. Be it poverty, injustice, or climate change, the solutions require collective effort—and faith communities can play a positive role.
The Challenge of Misinformation and Political Polarisation
Misinformation has become a pervasive issue, with social media amplifying biased narratives and unverified claims about religious groups. For example, stereotypes about minority communities, particularly around issues of immigration and faith-based practices, have been weaponised to create distrust.
In recent years, the UK has witnessed growing political divides, exacerbated by debates over Brexit, immigration, and governance. These divides are often mirrored in religious and cultural tensions. Political discourse can become polarised, with faith groups sometimes scapegoated or misrepresented in heated debates.
World Religion Day 2025 is a timely reminder that religion can be a force for unity rather than division. It plays a critical role in dismantling falsehoods by encouraging informed discussions and promoting educational initiatives. These efforts help ensure that religious minorities, who are often the targets of misinformation, are represented accurately and respectfully.
How Can You Get Involved?
If you’re inspired by the principles of World Religion Day 2025, there are plenty of ways to participate:
Attend Local Events.
Check out interfaith discussions, workshops, or cultural performances in your area.
Organise a Service Project.
Collaborate with local faith groups to address a pressing community issue, such as homelessness or food insecurity.
Engage Online.
Use hashtags like #WorldReligionDay2025 to join the global conversation and share your thoughts on unity and faith.
Learn About Other Religions.
Take the time to explore the beliefs and practices of faiths you may not be familiar with.
Support Interfaith Organisations.
Volunteer, donate or learn more about the work of groups that promote religious harmony in the UK and your local area.
Interfaith Organisations in the UK (2025)
Here’s an alphabetically ordered list of some interfaith organisations in the UK that are currently active (as of January 2025):
B
C
D
F
H
L
M
N
O
R
S
W
Y
If you know of an active interfaith organisation in the UK that is not currently on this list, you can request to add it by emailing us at comms@vandu.co.uk.
Conclusion
In 2025, by embracing innovative approaches and addressing modern challenges, World Religion Day continues to inspire communities worldwide to work together towards a more compassionate and inclusive future.
Whether you’re attending a local event, joining a virtual discussion, or simply reflecting on shared values, remember why World Religion Day is important: it celebrates not just the coexistence of religions, but their collective capacity to make the world a better place.
About Us
This blog is brought to you by Vandu Training, a UK-based agency dedicated to providing EDI training and consultancy to businesses and organisations in the UK.
Our mission aligns closely with the principles of World Religion Day, as we work to promote dialogue and collaboration. By empowering through Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Training, we equip organisations with the tools and expertise necessary for success and growth.
Learn more about our services and how we can support you by exploring the rest of Vandu Training’s website.