Office of the Regional Chair

Ken Seiling

Regional Municipality of Waterloo

November 20, 2016.

Dear Friends

I am sorry I am not able to join you today

The annual World Religions Conference is an inclusive, peaceful forum where faith leaders and scholars gather to discuss the topics that matter very much in our lives. This year's central theme "End-of-Life Decisions" is particularly relevant given the recent Federal legislation allow for assisted death.

There is so much to explore and discuss given the many differing perspectives on assisted dying and other end-of-life challenges including withdrawal and refusal of treatment and euthanasia. Today, your discussions will delve into the many different viewpoints and the guidance offered by the major religions and philosophies around these heart wrenching questions.

We are fortunate to be able to gather together each year in a peaceable manner to respectfully share our different views and beliefs. My best wishes for a successful, thoughtful day.

Sincerely
Ken Seiling
Regional Chair

Image of Greeting Letter:

36th World Religions Conference : Theme - End-of-Life Decisions

Successfully held on Sunday November 20, 2016  

• Moderator (36th WRC)
• Speaker Profiles (36th WRC)
• Program (36th WRC)
• Greetings from Dignitaries (36th WRC)
• Electronic Poster (36th WRC)
• Pictures from 36th World Religions Conference

The theme of the 36th World Religions Conference was “End-of-Life Decisions: Faith-based perspectives”. With an increasingly­ aging population, members of our society are often faced with difficult decisions regarding end-of-life. With new legislation in place, decisions such as euthanasia, physician­ assisted suicide, treatment withdrawal raise complex questions. The theme discussed the guidance various faiths and philosophies offer regarding end­-of-life decisions, hoping that this mutual exploration will raise awareness of end-of-life challenges and encourage better understanding of the different perspectives, while paving the way to common approaches to address these challenges.

Participating Religions and Philosophical Traditions:

Aboriginal Spirituality, Baha'i Faith, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism, and Humanism (Atheism and Agnostics)

Venue 

J. G. Hagey Hall (Humanities Theatre), University of Waterloo

Background

The World Religions Conference (WRC) is a multi-faith event which brings together well-known scholars from the world’s major religions to speak on a topic from the perspective of their religious or philosophical beliefs.  The conference has a long tradition of gathering different communities in  a spirit  of  tolerance,  peace,  cooperation,  and  understanding.  It  aims to promote mutual education on contemporary topics by providing a platform where major religions and philosophies can pool their collective wisdom and teachings regarding topics of interest. With free admission, lunch, and an opportunity to meet others from a multitude of faiths and philosophies, it is a small and simple step by which to make this world a more peaceful and tolerant place.

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The following leaders attended the opening session and brought greetings at the 36th World Religions Conference:

1. His Worship Mayor Berry Vrbanovic of the City of Kitchener

He was elected as Mayor of the City of Kitchener in 2014, after serving as a City Councillor from 1994-2014.  In addition to serving on all regular standing committees of Kitchener city council and Region of Waterloo council, Berry is also an appointee and active participant on many boards and committees. He is also Treasurer of United Cities & Local Governments and is President Emeritus (2011-12) of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. He is committed to improving the quality of life for residents in Kitchener and throughout the Region of Waterloo. He is a supporter of the World Religions Conference and is happy to join in the opening ceremony and bring greetings on behalf of the City of Kitchener at the 36th World Religions Conference. 

2. Dave Levac, MPP and Speaker of Ontario Legislature

Dave Levac, speaker of the Ontario Legislature is pleased to attend the opening ceremony and bring greetings on behalf of the Brant riding of Ontario at the 36th World Religions Conference. Dave Levac is a long time supporter of the World Religions Conference and has many times moderated the conference when he was a school principal in Brantford. Later, he again moderated this conference in 2003 after becoming a MPP. He has been heralded by most MPPs and political commentators as one of the most effective Speakers in recent memory, presiding with dignity and integrity. Organizers of the World Religions Conference is honoured to have him at the conference. 

The following leaders sent written greetings to the delegates of the 36th World Religions Conference:

1. Greetings from Chair Ken Seiling (36th WRC)

End-of-Life Decisions : Faith-Based Perspectives

The 36th World Religions Conference was held on November 20, 2016 at the Humanities Theatre, University of Waterloo, Ontario. The theme chosen is "End-of-Life Decisions : Faith-Based Perspectives"

The theme of the conference this year is “End-of-Life Decisions: Faith-based perspectives”. With an increasingly­ aging population, members of our society are often faced with difficult decisions regarding end-of-life. With new legislation in place, decisions such as euthanasia, physician­ assisted suicide, treatment withdrawal raise complex questions. This year's theme aims to discuss the guidance various faiths and philosophies offer regarding end­of-life decisions. Our hope is that this mutual exploration will raise awareness of end-of-life challenges and encourage better understanding of the different perspectives, while paving the way to common approaches to address these challenges.