Sunday, September 28, 2014
River Run Centre, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
THEME: Pathway to Peace
Presided and Moderated by Abigail Bimman (CTV).
OPENING SESSION
10:00a Doors Open - Registration & Brunch
10:30a Opening Multi Media Presentation
10:40a Welcome by the Presiding Chair - Abigail Bimman
10:44a Reading from the Holy Scriptures - All Faiths
10:57a Opening Ceremony
- Introduction of Speakers and Dignitaries- Unveiling of the World Religions Conference Plaque
- National Anthem of Canada - Trevor Dick & Gateway Public School Orchestra
11:05a Introductory Remarks
- Lal Khan Malik, National President Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama`at Canada11:10a Speaker's Introductory Intriguing Remarks - Representatives of All Faiths **
11:11a - Islam: Muhammad Afzal Mirza - Toronto11:14a - Humanism: Karis Burkowski - Waterloo
11:17a - Hinduism: Swami Chaitanya Jyoti - Kitchener
11:20a - Christianity: Rev. John Lawson - Guelph
11:23a - Buddhism: Dr. Christopher Ross - Waterloo
11:26a - Judaism: Rabbi Michael Dolgin -Toronto
11:29a - Aboriginals: Rick Rogers - Toronto
11:32a - Sikhism: Jagmeet Singh - Toronto
11:35a Messages and Greetings from Guest Dignitaries
- Local, Regional, Provincial and National Leaders:- Stephen Woodworth, MP Kitchener Canada- Frank Valeriote, MP Guelph
- Dr. Kirsty Duncan, MP. Etobicoke North
- Bob Delaney, MPP- Mississauga-Streetsville
- Councillor Karl Wettstein - representing Mayor of Guelph
- Councillor Todd Dennis - representing Mayor of Guelph
- Councillor Berry Vrbanovic, Acting Mayor City of Kitchener
- Councillor Larry Corrigan - representing Mayor of the Township of Scugog
12:00-1:00p LUNCH (Break and Social Interactions - Lunch will be served)
THEME SESSION - "Pathway to Peace"
Seven World Faith representatives and an Atheist philosopher will present his/her view of their respective faith on the theme "Pathway to Peace" (12 minutes each). Each speech will be followed by a spiritual hymn presentation reinforcing the concept presented by the respective faiths religious group (4 minutes).1:00p Introduction to the Theme Session - Moderator
1:02p Islamic Perspective - Muhammad Afzal Mirza - Toronto
1:14p Islamic Spiritual Poem or Hymn - Ahmadiyya Muslim Children
1:19p Humanist Perspective - Karis Burkowski - Waterloo
1:31p Secular Poem or Song - Society of Ontario FreeThinkers
1:36p Hindu Perspective - Swami Chaitanya Jyoti - Kitchener
1:48p Hindu Spiritual Poem or Hymn - Local Hindu Community
1:53p Christian Perspective - Rev. John Lawson - Guelph
2:05p Christian Spiritual Poem or Hymn - Local Christian Community
2:10p Buddhist Perspective - Dr. Christopher Ross - Waterloo
2:22p Buddhist Spiritual Poem or Hymn - Local Buddhist Community
2:27p Coffee Break - Complimentary Refreshments and Social
2:45p Jewish Perspective - Rabbi Michael Dolgin - Toronto
2:57p Judaic Spiritual Poem or Hymn - Local Jewish Community
3:02p Aboriginal Perspective - Rick Rogers - Toronto
3:14p Aboriginal Spiritual Poem or Hymn - Aboriginal Community
3:19p Sikh Perspective - Jagmeet Singh - Toronto
3:31p Sikh Spiritual Poem or Hymn - Sikh Student's Association
INTERACTIVE & CONCLUDING SESSION
3:36p Announcing rules of the Q/A Session - Moderator
3:38p Open Question & Answer Session - (45 minutes)
- with all speakers of different faiths and philosophies
4:23p Vote of Thanks - Recognition of Speakers and Volunteers
- Fwad Malik, President WRC Organizing Committee
4:27p Closing Remarks - Moderator & Chair
4:29p Silent Multi-Faith Prayer - All Faiths
4:30p Social Interaction and Adjournment
(**The order of speakers was determined by a random draw during our last World Religions Conference held October 6, 2013 at the River Run Centre, Guelph. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoFIGQQaioA))