World Religions Conference Kamloops

Speakers

Baha`I Perspective
Mrs. Kim Naqvi

Kim Naqvi is a faculty member in the Geography and Environmental Studies Program at Thompson Rivers University, and has a background in biology and geography. Her main interests are the underlying cultural assumptions of social and economic development theory and practice and how human values are expressed in the landscapes we create.We look forward to receiving more detail about the event and offer our assistance in any way that may be of use.

Christianity Perspective (Anglican  Church)
Reverend Kyle Norman

Reverend Kyle has strong roots in BC, having spent much of his life on Vancouver Island. It was on Vancouver island that Kyle began his ministry, and met his wife, Alicia. Together they have a son, Solomon.

Kyle’s ministry is one of ease and approachability. He loves to connect with people and build lasting and encouraging relationships. He frequently meets people for coffee, breakfast, lunch, and has even been known to discuss theology in the local pub from time to time. As a previous Children’s magician, Kyle uses his skills to help illustrate lessons from the Bible during Sunday Morning Kid’s talks. 

Kyle’s ministry passion lies in cultivate strong and healthy congregations. He has a Doctorate in Spiritual Formation through Tyndale University, with an emphasis on building community. He is an avid writer whose writings have appeared at Christianity.com, RenovareCanada.ca; and The Center for Biblical Equality, among others. You can find his personal blog at www.reverendkylenorman.ca. 

In addition to being the Rector of the St. Paul’s, Kyle is also the Dean of the Territory of the People. This means the lends supportive ministry to the Bishop.  Kyle has an area responsibility and often connects with the lay leaders in various churches.   Yes Kyle is busy, but he is never too busy for a call, a visit, or a coffee.

Maulana Asif Khan Mujahid
Islam Perspective 

Maulana Asif Khan Mujahid has been serving and representing the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in various capacities since 2011 such as Head Coordinator for the National Youth Education Camp and Researcher for various MTA (Muslim Televison Ahmadiyya) programs & documentaries. 

He has, in recent years, also served as an auxillary Imam in many countries across the globe such as Sierra Leone, Uruguay, Palestine and The U.K.

Having graduated from the Ahmadiyya Institute of Islamic Studies, he has served as an Imam and Missionary in Toronto and Mississauga and is currently the Imam and Missionary in Vancouver as well as regularly being called upon for various interfaith events and discussions by the National Headquarters of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community located in Vaughan, Ontario.

Hindu Faith Perspective
Pandit Bhava Dasa

Bhava Dasa is a direct disciple of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, founder‑acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), a branch of the Brahma‑Madhva‑Gaudiya Vaishnava Sampradaya, one of the four original Vaishnava lineages whose teachings trace back thousands of years.

He has written extensively on ancient Hindu texts, Vedic culture, cosmology, God consciousness, transcendence, reincarnation, and related subjects. His work reflects a lifelong commitment to presenting timeless spiritual knowledge in a clear, thoughtful, and accessible way.

Bhava Dasa regularly participates in public forums, interfaith gatherings, and community discussions where the shared aim is the spiritual upliftment of society through loving devotion to the Supreme Lord. His presentations emphasize universal spiritual principles, compassionate dialogue, and the practical application of bhakti in everyday life.

If you would prefer something shorter, please let me know and I’ll get that off to you tomorrow along with a current photo.

Christianity Perspective 
The Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints 
Mr. Bradley M. Bishop

Bradley M. Bishop serves as the current Stake President of the Vernon, British Columbia Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  This region extends from Kamloops to Osoyoos.  He has served in various leadership roles over the last 30 years as a missionary in Finland, as a youth leader and recently as the Bishop of a congregation.  He and his wife, Tilane, have been married for 26 years and have five children.  To support his family Brad serves the BC Interior region as a Certified Specialist in Prosthodontics; he provides solutions for complex functional and esthetic dental problems.

Sikhism Perspective
Dr. Surinder Singh Dhanja

Dr. Surinder Dhanjal is a Professor Emeritus of Computing Science at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, British Columbia. He is the main organizer of the Komagata Maru Library at the Sikh Cultural Society Kamloops. He has over 31 years of experience in teaching at Canadian universities and was awarded Professor Emeritus status in 2017.

He is an interdisciplinary scholar with two Ph.D. degrees-one in Computer Science from Thapar University and another in Punjabi Literature from Guru Nanak Dev University in India. He also holds two Masters degrees-an M.A.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from University of Windsor and an M.Sc. in Computation from McMaster University in Canada. In addition to his academic career, Dr. Dhanjal is a prominent figure in the international Punjabi literary circles and has authored several books of Punjabi poetry and criticism.

Buddhist Perspective
Venerable Acharya Gawa Khandro

Gawa is a Buddhist monastic and spiritual care practitioner based in Kamloops, BC. She has received teachings and ordination from respected Buddhist teachers, including Ven. Thich Nhat Hanh, Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, and Acharya Pema Chödrön.

She serves as a Multifaith Chaplain at Thompson Rivers University and Royal Inland Hospital and provides spiritual care through Hospice Kamloops. She has taught at Thompson Rivers University for over 25 years and is actively involved in Buddhist, interfaith, peace, and humanitarian initiatives.

In 2022, she received the International Outstanding Woman in Buddhism Award for her contributions to Buddhist and community service.

development.  Welcome.

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