Theme: Keeping Faith Alive in Contemporary Society
Views of Renowned Scholars of World's Religions and Philosophies
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Humanities Theatre, J. G. Hagey Hall, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
In a society driven by media, high technology, scientific advancements and entertainment -- the conference will explore how different faiths can strive to keep faith alive.
Summary
The World Religions Conference (WRC) is an multi-faith event which brings together well-known scholars from the world’s major religions to speak on a common topic from the point of view of their respective religious traditions. For thirty years, the WRC has served as an invaluable forum for different religious and ethnic communities to gather in the spirit of tolerance, peace, cooperation, and understanding. The WRC serves the noble purpose of educating members of the community regarding interesting and relevant topics by providing a platform where all major religions can pool their collective wisdom and teachings regarding the topic. Continually on the rise in terms of organizational standards, quality of content, and attendance, the WRC has become the largest multi-faith event of its kind in Canada.
With its ever-growing profile in the Waterloo Region and Canadian society in general, the WRC has become a central meeting place for religious leaders and their communities. The conference has had the honour of being noted by prominent figures including the Prime Minister of Canada, and the Chief Justice of Canada, in addition to dozens of other local, provincial and national leaders.
The speakers are specially sought out and invited by the organizing committee to ensure that each faith is represented by a knowledgeable scholar of that particular faith, who does justice to the topic and the religion that he or she represents.
The premier organizer and sponsor of the event is Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama`at Canada. Cooperation and partnership includes several cities, academic institutions, faith based associations, student clubs and numerous other organizations.
With free admission and lunch, and a great chance to learn and meet others from a multitude of faith and philosophical communities, it is a small step to make this world a more peaceful world to live.
Theme for 2010
30th World Religions Conference: Keeping Faith Alive in Contemporary Society
In a society driven by media, high technology, scientific advancements and entertainment - the conference will explore how different faiths strive to keep faith alive.
Venue for 2010
World Religions Conference is scheduled for Saturday, October 16, 2010 at the Humanities Theatre, J.G. Hagey Hall, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
Speakers for 2010
The following is the line-up of speakers representing various faiths and philosophical traditions selected for the 30th World Religions Conference on the theme "Keeping Faith Alive in Contemporary Society", scheduled for October 16, 2010 at the prestigious Humanities Theatre, J. G. Hagey Hall, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. The Order of speakers was determined via random draw held during the last event on October 24, 2009 at the University of Waterloo. The speakers are listed in this determined order.
1. Chander Khanna - Toronto
Representing Hinduism
Scholar on Hinduism, Dr. Khanna is the VP of the Hindu Institute of Learning. Serves on the Spiritual Committee of the Associations of Himalayan Yoga Meditation Societies. Convener of the Sanskrit Vidya Parishad Lectures Founding member of the Toronto Local Societies Initiative under a Templeton Foundation Grant. Contributing Editor of the Interfaith Unity News. Given key-note addresses on Eastern Philosophical traditions and has participated in international symposiums in several countries.
2. Stuart Bechman - California, USA
Representing Humanism (Atheists and Agnostics)
Scholar and speaker on the western Enlightenment and the rise of reason and modernity, Stuart serves as president of Atheist Alliance International, an umbrella organization of national freethought organizations around the world. Serves as a board member of the Secular Coalition for America as well as on the National Adivsory Council of Americans United. Holds Master’s degree in Sociology from California State University with specialization in Religion and Large Organizations.
3. Dr. Daniel Maoz Kitchener
Representing Judaism
Engaging speaker and Jewish scholar, Daniel is member of both Orthodox and Reform Jewish communities of Kitchener-Waterloo. Professor of two university Jewish Studies programs. An active volunteer for the Chevra Kadisha (ritual burial) and for the YMCA Cross-Cultural Host Program over the past several years. Holds a Ph.D from France and M.A. in History. Widely published and internationally presents his research in Jewish Studies.
4. Charles Van Alphen - Waterloo
Representing Christianity
An accomplished presenter and academic. Charles is a retired elementary teacher and school principal. Taught courses for the Faculty of Education and served as a religion consultant. Presently at St. Michael RC Parish in Waterloo as a parish school liaison. Leads retreats for the reception of sacraments. Prison chaplain at the Grand Valley Institution for Women. Married to Debby and is a proud father of six children and 3 grandchildren.
5. Dr. Christopher Ross - Waterloo
Representing Buddhism
Recognized academic scholar. Dr. Ross, PhD is a counselling psychologist and associate professor in the Department of Religion and Culture at Wilfrid Laurier University, in the field of the psychology of religion with a special interest in how individuals' personalities influence what they look for in religion. A lifelong meditator, eleven years ago Chris took a Buddhist turn, learning first Vipassana and then receiving teachings in Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
6. Walter Cooke - Hamilton
Representing Aboriginal Spirituality
Inspiring Speaker. Walter, an Elder/Counsellor, Ojibway-Cree of the Bear Clan. He works for De dwa da dehs nyes Aboriginal Health Centre in Hamilton, Ontario. Has been doing traditional healing work for over 20 years. His teachings come from listening to elders and in large, from his own way of life and that of his parents. Facilitates a Healing Journey Program at the Aboriginal Health Centre. Addressed numerous interfaith events.
7. Mubarak A. Nazir - Toronto
Representing Islam
Vice President and Missionary Incharge of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Canada. Prolific speaker who regularly appears on broadcast media, and has lectured at numerous forums explaining contemporary Islamic issues. Mubarak is a graduate with a scientific background. After dedicating his life, served as Missionary both in Africa and Canada. Principal of various Ahmadiyya Islamic Schools in Africa and most recently of the Ahmadiyya Islamic Institute in Canada.
8. Kulvir Singh Gill - Toronto
Representing Sikh Religion
Brilliant speaker and scholar. Kulvir works as a Management Consultant, running his own independent consulting and coaching practice. Worked in the local Sikh-Canadian community with the Sikh Centennial Foundation, Spinning Wheel Film Festival, and Toronto Sikh Youth Retreats. Currently launching the Sikh Arts Council and the Seva Food Bank. Serves on the Board of Directors for the William Osler Health System Foundation and Habitat For Humanity in Brampton.
Moderator:
Gary Doyle
As experienced and appealing event moderator in many fields, Denise is an integral part of many community and social events within Southern Ontario and abroad. Recently, The Canadian Consulate in Naples, Italy requested her to be the Canadian Ambassador for the Terry Fox Run - a very high honour. Denise is a sought-after entertainer who is refreshing and honest. With two international releases to her credit, her interpretations remind people of a more simplistic world.
Participants
This event is expected to draw several hundred from the region and across Canada. Several local, provincial and national leaders are also expected to attend and deliver greetings to the delegates.
Renowned speakers representing Aboriginal Peoples' Religions, Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Sikh Religion and Humanism (Atheism) will participate at the event. The objective of this year's conference is to bring scholars from different faith groups, religions, and philosophical traditions together to present and discuss the relevance of God in today’s world. The speakers are expected to describe relevant teachings from their Holy Scriptures or traditions as well as to elaborate on the logical underpinnings of these teachings.
Format of Event
Distinguished scholars will be representing various faiths and philosophical traditions at the conference. Faith groups will present special spiritual poems and songs, and set up displays and exhibits.
The conference will run from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and will consist of three sessions: an opening session to introduce the topic, bring greetings from National, Provincial and local dignitaries and to introduce the faith being represented; the theme session to discuss the theme how God is relevant in Today's World whereby each speaker will be given 15 minutes to deliver his speech, followed by a 5-minute religious or cultural presentation; and a concluding and 45-minute interactive session to allow speakers to respond to questions from the audience. Lunch and refreshments will be provided at the conference venue.
For More info, visit: www.worldreligionsconference.org
Register online to attend.
Or call Conference Information line: 1-877-INFO-WRC
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