6th World Religions Conference

Speakers

Indigenous Perspective
Elder Jack Spotted

Elder Jack Spotted is member of Okanagan Nation with band membership with Okanagan Indian Band. He has been living most of time within Okanagan Nation, and working for the Shuswap Nation, Pavilion Indian band and various Native American tribes while living in Seattle, Washington.

Baha`I Perspective
Mrs. Eva Strom

Eva Strom grew up in Winnipeg and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Manitoba. Seeking “to find herself” she moved to BC over 40 years ago. At first she explored the question “What is happiness? How and where can I find it?” Eventually she found the beautiful and everlasting garden of the Baha’i Faith. “It just makes perfect sense to me”, she says. “Spiritual and practical, it has immense value for humanity at this time in history”. As a Baha’i, Eva has served on regional educational committees, as a children’s class teacher, as an “animator” for the Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment program and on the local administrative council for over 20 years. Retired from a career as an employment counsellor, Eva dedicates much of her time to Baha’u’llah’s vision of a united and peaceful world by hosting World Peace Conversations, World Peace Prayers and by being involved in devotional gatherings and study circles and other personal and community development activities. 

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 
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!

Jewish Faith Perspective
Mrs. Susan Shawlee

Susan Shawlee is a seasoned speaker on matters of Judaic practice and custom. She has represented Judaism in a variety of forums, and leads many talks and tours on Judaism to students from elementary to senior school levels. She leads the Chevra Chadisha, and has served for many years on the board of directors of the Okanagan Jewish Community as director at large, secretary, treasurer, vice-president, and president. She is a regular participant as a human book in Kelowna’s Living Library series, and has served as a community member for graduating high school students presenting their life plans. 

Sikhism Perspective
Mr. Taranjot Singh Jainpuri

Taranjot Jainpuri born and raised in the Sikh faith, which has always been a central part of his life. His love for Sikhism drives him to actively participate in various Sikh activities and events, where  Taranjot had the privilege of volunteering and serving the community. His faith guides the  values and actions, and he is passionate about sharing the teachings of Sikhism and engaging with others in meaningful ways. 

Mrs. Mari Cameron
Buddhist Perspective

Mari was born in Vancouver where her father was the Minister of the Vancouver Shin Buddhist Temple. Her family have been Buddhist ministers for 16 generations.She grew up in Vancouver, Kyoto Japan and Calgary graduating as a Pharmacist from UBC in 1982. She has lived in Vernon for 41 years with her husband and they have 2 sons.  She practiced as a Pharmacist and Diabetes Educator at London Drugs until her retirement 3 years ago.Mari took her Tokudo Ordination Training in Kyoto Japan in 1983 to become an Assistant Minister.  She has been serving The Vernon Buddhist Temple as their President for over 30 years.

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 (Trinity Ubited Church)
Rev. Robin Jacobson

Robin Jacobson is the Lead Minister of Trinity United Church. He started on March 26, 2019 after a long time of serving the congregation of North Lonsdale United Church in North Vancouver. Robin is originally from South Africa where he was ordained in the Uniting Presbyterian Church of Southern Africa. He describes himself as someone who is orthodox though never conservative, believing in Jesus Christ as the One through whom God works for the complete restoration of all Creation, yet also drawing from us our greatest curiosity and respect for fresh and unique appreciation & insights of God’s grace.

“I am constantly blessed by Christ’s’ love for me and all of God’s creation. I am also constantly amazed at Christ’s gracious Presence and on-going activity in our world – as well as by how seriously Christ takes us, how much Christ believes in us! I feel my calling is to remain in that state of curious wonder and blessing as I allow others to join me and me them in this journey of awesome discovery”. 

Registration
Moderator
Speakers
Program