2023 – World Religion Confrence https://worldreligionsconference.ca Fri, 15 Dec 2023 15:10:43 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://worldreligionsconference.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/cropped-synotech-32x32.png 2023 – World Religion Confrence https://worldreligionsconference.ca 32 32 Life after death – Myth or Reality? https://worldreligionsconference.ca/life-after-death-myth-or-reality-2/ Fri, 15 Dec 2023 14:54:16 +0000 https://worldreligionsconference.ca/?p=2251 Time: 6:30PM - 8:30PM
Dinner: East Indian
Admission: Free]]>

Life After Death - Myth or Reality?

  • 5th World Religions Conferenced Vernon, 2023Day: Monday, October 16, 2023
  • Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
  • Tel: 604-767-1965
  • Toll Free: 1-877-767-1965
  • Email: info.bc@ahmadiyya.ca

Moderator

Dr. David Smith

David Smith is grateful for the honour to participate in and moderate the World Religions
Conference in Vernon this year. David grew up in the North Okanagan, and returned to Vernon with his family in 2003.. Thereafter he pursued his academic studies eventually graduating medical school and further specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry, which he now practices in the North Okanagan.
He has always been very interested in people’s world views and especially what anchors them through their adversities and what propels them in their growth.  He has a great interest in and respect for people of all faiths and is eager to learn more this year from the participants about their various views on the hereafter! 

Speakers

Baha`I Perspective
Dr. Aref Tabarsi

Aref Tabarsi is Baha'i was born and raised in a Baha'i family. In 1984, he migrated to Canada
from Iran due to severe persecution of the Iranian Baha'is by the Iranian regime. Aref moved to
Vernon over two years ago from Campbell River.He is member of the Spiritual Assembly of
Baha'is of Vernon and elected by the assembly to represent the Baha'i faith at the
conference.Dr. Aref Tabarsi is lso a physician with specialty in pathology, currently working at
Vernon Jubilee Hospital.

Christianity Perspective (Baptist Church)
Senior Pastor Randy Hamm

Randy has been married to Hannah since 1996, have three beautiful children and live in Vernon,
BC. Randy pastors a wonderful community of people at First Baptist Church up on the East Hill
of Vernon. With over 15 years of pastoring and relationship coaching, he loves to bring all
deeper into truth, finding the abundant life Jesus has for everyone!

Islam Perspective
Maulana Umran ul Haq Bhatti

Umran ul-Haq Bhatti is a Missionary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at. Umran acquired his
degree in Islamic Theology and Comparative Religions in 2013, Canada. He has served in Ghana,
Atlantic Canada, and Toronto. During his 4 yrs in Atlantic Canada he was a monthly columnist
writing for the local newspaper in removing misconception about the peaceful teachings of
Islam and building bridges in the community.
Currently he is the Imam of the Baitur Rehman Mosque in Delta, BC.
He served as an Imam and Missionary for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in the Calgary 
branch at Baitun Noor Mosque from 2013- 2015.For the last 4 years he was serving Ahmadiyya
Muslim Community Jamaica, West Indies, in the capacity of Missionary in Charge. He was
recently appointed to serve the British Columbia chapters and the community based around
Baitur Rahman Mosque in Delta, & Surrey BC. He is currently living in Delta with family (wife
and 2 children)

Christianity Perspective
The Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints
Mrs. Paulette Deyholos

President Paulette Deyholos was sustained as a Stake Relief Society President for The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Vernon BC Stake in 2021. At the time of her call, she was
serving as a seminary teacher for youth ages 14-18. President Deyholos has served in numerous Church callings, including Stake Young Women’s President in an Edmonton AB Stake, as well as a member of several ward Relief Society and Young Women’s presidencies and Seminary teacher.  President Deyholos graduated from the University of Alberta in 1996 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in sculpture and painting, followed by a Bachelor of Education in 1997.  She taught art in Edmonton for five years before moving to Kelowna BC where she volunteers for the Lake Country Art Gallery and serves on the board of SWAC, a local art society.  Paulette was born in Utah in 1968. As a child she moved a lot which exposed her to many different communities throughout the United States and Canada. She married Mike Deyholos in Edmonton in 2003. They are the parents of two children.

Jewish Faith Perspective
Mr. Steven Finkleman

Steven Finkleman has been a resident of Kelowna and member of the Okanagan Jewish Community in North Glenmore for over 40 years.   He has served as a president of the OJC for several terms.  He serves currently as President of the organization and enjoys organizing events of meaning to our Community, but also loves to participate in various community and interfaith events, representing our Community’s presence in various Kelowna civic events.

Sikhism Perspective
Mr.Ranjit Singh

Ranjit Singh was born in Brampton into a Sikh family and have been living in Kelowna since
2012. He currently work as an accountant and teach Punjabi, kirtan, Sikh history, and how to
read Guru Granth Sahib in my spare time.”

Mr. Mike Boudreau
Buddhist Perspective

There are 1200 Kadampa Centers and branches in 40 countries around the world where people
can study and practice the teachings of Buddha known as Dharma.  These centers are open to
everyone and offer a full program of introductory classes, study programs, and meditation
retreats.  The Okanagan Shuswap is home to two branches in Vernon and Salmon Arm with
General Program Meditation Classes every Tuesday and Wednesday evenings respectively from
7-8:30pm. Dharma means ‘protection’. By practicing Buddha’s teachings we protect ourself
from suffering and problems. All the problems we experience during daily life originate in
ignorance, and the method for eliminating ignorance is to practice Dharma.   You are most welcome to attend any of our General Program classes whenever works for your busy
schedule.  Advanced classes and retreats are also available for further advancement in Bhuddist Meditation development.  Welcome.

Spiritual Living Perspective
The Rev. Dale Jukes

Reverend Dale Jukes has had thirteen years at the helm of the Okanagan Centre For Spiritual Living. This is simply the latest iteration of a spiritual journey that began a half century ago under the tutelage of his parents. A journey that has embraced most ancient and traditional paths , and for the past twenty two years, has returned to New Thought and specifically The Science Of Mind. Dale is very happy with his present Spiritual preoccupation and fully expects to be walking this walk for the duration of his dance with the Divine. If you would care to join him come to the Centre any Sunday and take the time to visit him at www.lightmail.org for a little daily inspiration.

Christianity Perspective (Presbyterian Church)
Rev. Dr. Teresa A. Charlton

Dr. Teresa Charlton has been ordained in the Presbyterian Church in Canada for over twenty years, and is presently in her twelfth year of serving the congregation of Knox in Vernon. Teresa's first doctoral work from Providence Seminary (MB) focussed on Pastoral Care, and her second doctorate from San Francisco Theological Seminary (CA) studied the challenging work of Executive Leadership. Rev.Teresa is currently the Clerk of the Presbytery of Kamloops and Clerk of the Synod of British Columbia, offices of the higher courts of the national church. Teresa is mother to four adult children and "Granny-in-the-Mountains" to two granddaughters.

Program

  • 6.20pm Announcement
  • 6:30 PM Recitation of the Holy Qur’an & Translation 
  • 6:35 PM Welcome Remarks from Dignitaries
  • 6:45 PM Introductory Remarks & Introduction to moderator by Rizwan Peerzada Regional President AMJ BC 
  • 6:50 PM Moderator Remarks Opening Remarks 
  • Speakers Panel (Time Allocated 8 minutes)
  • 6:55 PM Baha’I Dr. Aref Tabarsi     
  • 7:03 PM    Christianity Rev. Randy Hamm (First Baptist Church)
  • 7:11 PM Islam Maulana Umran Bhatti
  • 7:19 PM Jewish Faith Mr. Steven Finkleman
  • 7:27 PM Christianity Mr. Paulette Deyholos (The Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints Church)
  • 7:35PM Sikh Faith Mr. Karanpreet Singh
  • 7:43 PM Buddhism Mr.Mike Boudreau
  • 7:51 PM Spirituality Rev. Dale Jukes
  • 7:59 PM Christianity Rev. Dr. Teresa A. Charlton  (Presbyterian Church)
  • 8:07 PM Concluding Remarks by Moderator
  • 8:15 PMVote of Thanks by Rizwan Peerzada of  Ahmadiyya Muslim Community BC
  • Dinner

Map

Registration

]]> The Question of Timeless Suffering https://worldreligionsconference.ca/the-question-of-timeless-suffering/ Tue, 14 Mar 2023 19:11:20 +0000 https://worldreligionsconference.ca/?p=1877 Time: 6:30PM - 8:30PM
Dinner: East Indian
Admission: Free]]>

The Question of Timeless Suffering

18th World Religion Conference Prince George 2023

Topic:  The Question of Timeless Suffering

Day: Monday, September 18, 2023

Time: 6:30PM – 8:30PM

Dinner: East Indian

Admission: Free

Venue: Trinity United Church Conference Hall 

Address: 3555 5th Ave, Prince George 

Tel: 604-767-1965
Toll Free: 1-877-767-1965

Email: info.bc@ahmadiyya.ca

Moderator

Elder Darlene Mcintosh

Darlene is an Elder of Lheidli T’enneh First Nation. She is Grouse clan, daughter of Mary Quaw of Lheidli T’enneh and Peter Zatorski of Prince George. She is the granddaughter of Elsie George from Saik’uz First Nation and Augusta Quaw of Lheidli T’enneh. Darlene is devoted to family, she is married, over 40 years, to Neil McIntosh and is mother to Blake (Laurie) and Kyle, and a dedicated grandmother to Jake and Konnor.


Darlene comes from a long line of healers and is a sought after healing touch practitioner working with individuals and groups – in particular she was recently invited by the First Nations Health Authority to attend three of their conferences. She is a founding member of the women’s Spirit Keepers and is often at the center of women’s gatherings for meditation, prayer and healing. Darlene is the Cultural Advisor in the Aboriginal Resource Centre of the College of New Caledonia (CNC) where she support students, advises faculty and is a spiritual leader for the wider community. Darlene’s center, especially within this role, is one of balance and harmony within the teachings of The Medicine Wheel. She is a natural teacher who brings a fresh perspective into the notion of indigenization and truth and reconciliation. Darlene’s most recent contribution to this process was to organize a powerful offering of The Blanket Ceremony for administrative and executive staff. Darlene has a gift of weaving her spiritual connection into words that resonate beyond her responsibilities as Elder, Advisor and teacher. Darlene’s writing has been published, most recently, in an anthology called In Our Own Voice, A Collection of Aboriginal Writers and Artists in BC as well as in two publications on health in Front Lines – Portraits of Caregivers in Northern British Columbia and Introduction to Aboriginal Health and Healthcare in Canada. Darlene is an advocate for health, the arts and education.

Speakers

Baha’i Perspective
Mrs. Charlotte Wenninger

Charlotte Wenninger has been a member of the Baha’i community for over 35 years.  She has served for many years as one of the elected, nine members on the local governing body of the Baha’is of Prince George.  She has served as a chairman of the Interfaith Chaplaincy Committee at UNBC almost since its inception.   She is married and has raised four daughters and now has 7 grandchildren.  She has a keen interest in sharing her religion with others and learning about all aspects of spirituality, especially the science behind spiritual reality.

Buddhism Perspective
Ms.Ren Shelmaschuk

Ren was blessed to be born and raised at the confluence of the Fraser and Nechako rivers, on the traditional ancestral lands of Lheidli T'enneh (Prince George, BC) to a Catholic family who instilled a strong love of God, family and faith. She works as a high school teacher after completing Bachelor of Science (2009) and Bachelor of Education (2012) degrees at UNBC and a Master of Education (2020) degree from Thompson Rivers University. She has also completed a 200 hour yoga teacher training in 2018, and teaches yoga weekly. In addition, Ren is an ordained minister through the Universal Life Church. She first heard about Buddhism and became a Buddhist in her first undergraduate degree and has been exploring Mahayana Buddhism, also known as the Universal Vehicle, ever since. This branch of Buddhism focuses on finding Buddhahood and enlightenment through service to others by following the path of the Bodhisattva. Her purpose in this life is to teach and awaken bodhicitta (open, loving-kindness enriched heart space) in herself and all beings.No one needs to change religions to follow the basic tenets of this path: be kind, help others,and look beyond the self to find peace.May you and all beings be happy, healthy, safe, and peaceful Om Mani Padme Hum

Rev. Bob K. Fillier 

Rev. Bob hails from the isle of Newfoundland and brings with him that east coast sense of hospitality, humour, and fun. He is a graduate of Memorial University in Newfoundland and Labrador, Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, and Chicago Theological College in Chicago, Illinois. Over the years he has also been an internship supervisor, congregational consultant, mentor, and served on almost every committee you can think of at all levels of the church. Most recently he was published in: “Reflections on Emancipation and Anti-Black Racism in Canada” and in “Called to be The Church: Discipleship Is Stewardship." In 2022 his sabbatical time took him to Scotland and the UK focusing on sacred places, music, and a wee dram. His passion is preaching and using digital resources to live out the great commission of Jesus to make disciples. Along with his spouse, two adult children, grandchildern and Prinn the dog, he lives a full life and loves to go for coffee…seriously…he roasts his own beans!.Favourite quote: "There's an app for that!" and "We have the technology!"

Jewish Faith Perspective
Mr.El Klasner

Eli was born and raised in Toronto and earned degrees in economics and music from Queens University, University of Toronto, and University of Ottawa. He has been a resident of North Central British Columbia since 2016 where he is involved in non-profit leadership. Eli is a member of Chabad of Downtown Vancouver and Chabad-Lubavitch of Crown Heights, NYC. He studies Torah, Talmud and Chassidus primarily under the tutelage of Rabbi Binyomin Bitton of Vancouver. Starting in 2017 Eli began the process of identifying and connecting with Jewish residents of this vast area of British Columbia. This was accomplished through exploring personal networks and social media. Eli enjoys information sharing and creating meeting opportunities for the Jewish population of the region (2016 census indicates a Jewish population of approximately 150 people) and is spearheading organizing annual holiday and festival celebrations. His dream is to help establish a dedicated meeting and worship space that will serve a wide spectrum of Jewish residents of Northern BC.
Hindu Faith Perspective
Dr. Pranesh Kumar, PhD

Dr. Pranesh Kumar was born in a Hindu family of a Northern Indian State of Utter Pardesh. He was keen interest in literature religion, culture, science and its global impact, in particular on human society. He is fascinated by the diversities which he experienced during the vast travels, interactions with people and observing their social, cultural and religious events. Kumar values life in any form and believes in very ancient, preached and practiced Sanskirt saying  “ Vasudhaeva Kutumbukam” meaning the “ Entire world is one family. 

Islam Perspective
Maulana Umran ul Haq Bhatti

Umran ul-Haq Bhatti is a Missionary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at. Umran acquired his
degree in Islamic Theology and Comparative Religions in 2013, Canada. He has served in Ghana,
Atlantic Canada, and Toronto. During his 4 yrs in Atlantic Canada he was a monthly columnist
writing for the local newspaper in removing misconception about the peaceful teachings of
Islam and building bridges in the community. Currently he is the Imam of the Baitur Rehman
Mosque in Delta, BC.
He served as an Imam and Missionary for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in the Calgary 
branch at Baitun Noor Mosque from 2013- 2015.For the last 4 years he was serving Ahmadiyya
Muslim Community Jamaica, West Indies, in the capacity of Missionary in Charge. He was
recently appointed to serve the British Columbia chapters and the community based around

Baitur Rahman Mosque in Delta, & Surrey BC. He is currently living in Delta with family (wife
and 2 children)

Sikh Perspective
Mr. Surjit Singh Minhas

Surjit Singh Minhas is an active member of the Guru Gobind Singh Sikh Temple serving in Prince George since 1977 to residents by providing “Langar” meal free to the public. Surjit moved to Prince George in 1973 from India. He has a degree in B.SC & B.Ed from Punjab University, India. He worked in lumber industry for two years and retired from BC Rail in December 2005. Now he volunteers for the temple and has been supporting charities including donating his blood to Canadian Blood Services seventy three times.

Program

  • 6.25 pm Announcement
  • 6:30 PM Recitation of the Holy Qur’an
  • 6:35 PM Welcome Remarks by dignities
  • David Coleman, President The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
  • 6:40 PM Introductory Remarks & Moderator Introduction
    • Mr. Rizwan Peerzada, Regional Coordinator B
  • 6:45 PM Speakers Panel (Time Allocated 10 minutes)
    •  Baha’I Mrs. Charlotte  Wenninger
    •  Buddhism Ms. Ren  Shelmaschuk
    •  Christianity Rev. Bob K. Fillier
    •  Islam Maulana Umran ul Haq Bhatti
    •  Christianity Mr. David  Coleman (The Church of Jesus  Christ Latter day Saints)
    •  Hindu Faith Dr. Pranesh Kumar, PhD
    •  Jewish Faith Mr. El Klasner
    •  Sikh Faith Mr.Surjit Singh Minhas
    • Q.A with speaker’s panel
  • 8:20 PM Concluding Remarks by Moderator
  • 8:27 PM Vote of Thanks by Mr. Khalid A. Khan, President Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Prince George
  • 8: 30 PM East Indian Dinner

Map

Registration

]]>