“From the surface, some elements of the WSYC may appear simple, like youth sitting silently in circle, but the intention is centred around the idea of bringing everyone back into a relationship with God,” Harris said.

WSYC is an inter-faith organization that aims at having youth from around the world share religious experiences and “intellectual resources, to inspire and be inspired by each other and work within a local area to stimulate change around the world.” The council has hubs in Toronto, Switzerland, the Philippines, Japan, Thailand, Nepal, South Africa, Australia and Romania. 

Harris first became involved with the WSYC during a youth retreat to Nepal in 2006. When asked what youth can hope to obtain from such an experience, he said the council essentially allows people the opportunity to rediscover their own faith from a space outside of their element. Harris said uniting with people of different races and creeds in meaningful talks helped deepen his understanding of Christ’s Beatitudes.

Harris said with its strong emphasis on learning and living the Golden Rule, WSYC moves beyond the basics of inter-faith dialogue, strengthening the notion that “we are on one planet, we are 99.9 per cent made of the same material.”

“Exchanging dialogue in a space where we are all outside of our comfort zone… moves beyond this Muslims and Christians thing and says, no, we’re all human beings. For most, the real conversation, exchanging of resources and moral support occurs when groups are together, simply hanging by the fire,” Harris said.

Harris said the WSYC widely applies the Golden Rule and a sense of solidarity among youth from all faiths and ethnicities by facilitating frequent workshops on issues surrounding “the environment, social justice, spirituality, emotional struggles and the need for a new movement.”

When asked what this new movement ought to look like, Harris drew from the positions of Christianity, Hinduism and Kabala. Harris said a new movement was needed that embodies peace and selfless service.

“The problem is that this world often separates us from modes of God-consciousness. Ego feeds this. But groups like the WSYC inspire hope and a yearning for God again,” said Harris. “It’s like Jesus said, ‘the kingdom of God is near.’ ”

The WSYC is an option for those interested in participating in inter-faith dialogue and practices, be it in their local hub or around the world, to “bring back their experiences to (their) communities, starting projects regarding current issues, to inspire a change in mindsets,” said Harris.

For information on WSYC, see www.worldspirityouthcouncil.org .

(Goldy, 20, is a political science and history student at the University of Toronto.)