Sunday, November 26, 2023
Lazaridis Auditorium, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo
THEME: Healing a Polarized World
OPENING SESSION
12:30p Doors Open
— Welcome and Registration
— Visit to World Religions Displays
12:40p Opening World Religions Multi Media Presentation
12:45p Welcome by the Presiding Chair
— Mike Morrice, MP for Kitchener-Centre
12:51p Opening Reading from a Holy Scripture
1:05p Opening Ceremony
— Introduction of Speakers and Dignitaries
— Unveiling of the World Religions Conference Plaque
— Singing of O'Canada - National Anthem of Canada - Grand Phil Harmonic Choir (Kitchener)
12:58p Introductory Remarks
— Lal Khan Malik, National President, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama`at Canada
1:01p Speaker’s Introductory Teaser Remarks
1:02p — Buddhism: Ven Kalubowila Ananda - Cambridge
1:05p — Islam: Imam Aizaz Khan - Vaughan
1:08p — Sikhism: Prof. Komal Kaur - Cambridge
1:11p — Judaism: Dr. Karen Mock - Toronto
1:14p — Christianity: Dr. John Milloy - Conestoga
1:17p — Hinduism: Chander Khanna - Toronto
1:20p — Indigenous: Prof. Malcolm Saulis - Ottawa
1:23p — Humanism: Katherine Dimou - Waterloo
1:26p Messages and Greetings from Guest Dignitaries — Local, Regional, Provincial and National Leaders
— Honourable Bardish Chagger, MP for Waterloo
— Mike Schreiner, MPP for Guelph
— Karen Redman, Chair, Region of Waterloo
— Dr Kristine Lund, Principal-Dean Martin Luther University College
— TBA
1:40 — Complimentary Refreshments
THEME SESSION - "Healing a Polarized World"
Speakers present his/her view of their respective faith on the theme (10 minutes each). Each presentation will be followed by a presentation of recitation from the Holy Scriptures (3 minutes).
2:05p Introduction to the Theme Session — Moderator
2:07p Buddhist Perspective — Ven Kalubowila Ananda - Cambridge
2:17p Buddhist Holy Scripture Recitation — Buddhist Community
2:20p Islamic Perspective — Imam Aizaz Khan - Vaughan
2:30p Islamic Holy Scripture Recitation — Muslim Community
2:33p Sikh Perspective — Prof. Komal Kaur - Cambridge
2:43p Sikh Holy Scripture Recitation — Sikh Community
2:46p Judaic Perspective — Dr. Karen Mock - Toronto
2:56p Jewish Holy Scripture Recitation — Jewish Community
2:59p Christian Perspective — Dr. John Milloy - Conestoga
3:09p Christian Holy Scripture Recitation — Christian Community
3:12p Hindu Perspective — Chander Khanna - Toronto
3:22p Hindu Holy Scripture Recitation — Hindu Community
3:25p Indigenous Perspective — Prof. Malcolm Saulis - Ottawa
3:35p Indigenous Holy Scripture Recitation — Indigenous Community
3:38p Humanist Perspective — Katherine Dimou - Waterloo
3:48p Secular Presentation — Humanist Community
3:51p Coffee Break — Complimentary Refreshments and Social
INTERACTIVE & CONCLUDING SESSION
4:15p Introduction to the Q/A Session — Moderator
4:18p Open Question & Answer Session — with all speakers of different faiths and philosophies
5:03p Vote of Thanks - Recognition of Speakers and Volunteers — Shahab Khokhar, President WRC Organizing Committee
5:06p Closing Remarks — Moderator & Chair
5:08p Silent Multi-Faith Prayer — All Faiths
5:09p Dinner and Social
(* The order of presentations was determined via random draw at the last World Religions Conference, held Oct 17, 2021)