Tony Blair Faith Foundation

As classes came to an end at the University of Toronto, students from different faith and philosophical backgrounds came together for SolidariTEA at the university's Multi-faith Centre. The event was held as part of the global Faiths Act SolidariTEA Campaign.

This campaign is encouraging people and communities worldwide to host interfaith teas, in order to mark International Human Rights Day (Dec. 10) and UN Solidarity Day (Dec. 20) and to bring people of all faiths and beliefs together to stand in solidarity in recognition of the human right to health.

The Faiths Act Committee at the University of Toronto facilitated meaningful interfaith dialogue at this event by preparing all tea cups with deep, thought provoking "conversation starters." The cup sleeve conversation starters included questions such as "What is something interesting about your faith?", "What would you sacrifice to make the world better?", "What do you live for?", "What is a quote/piece of scripture you try to live by?" 

Many attendees commented on how special and encouraging it was to have such fantastic conversations, the kinds that are avoided or undervalued in today's fast paced world and religion-phobic society.

The University of Toronto  SolidariTEA was complete with music and festive sing-a-longs, led by Faiths Act Fellow Anna Siu and Faiths Act Member Hong Hao Xu, which created a fun and joyful environment to celebrate our efforts of coming together to make the world a better place. Connecting over muffins, cookies, tea and hot chocolate students formed new interfaith relationships, engaged in enlightening conversation and stood together in solidarity.

SolidariTEAs are happening around the globe! Check out the website and keep your eyes open for a tea near you, or create your own! Because, don't YOU think the world needs a little more SolidariTEA?