15 th World Religions Conference Kelowna

Speakers

Perspective Centre for Spiritual Living
Rev. Corinne Crockett

Rev. Corinne Crockett, MHSc(N) is an ordained Assistant Minister at CSL Kelowna, a trans-denominational spiritual community dedicated to transforming lives and inspiring people to make apositive difference in the world.Drawing on a diverse background in nursing, education, spiritual care, and ministry, Corinne serves on the Kelowna General Hospital Spiritual Advisory Team, offers spiritual services on psychiatry, volunteers with the Central Okanagan Hospice Association, and is part of the leadership team of the Okanagan Multi-Faith Community. An adjunct professor with the UBC Okanagan School of Nursing and facilitator of the SMART UBC Mindfulness Program facilitator, Corinne is passionate about the intersection of science and spirituality, compassionate connection, and fostering meaningful dialogue across faith traditions. She delights in helping people deepen their connection to the Divine and discover new possibilities for living with purpose, compassion, and wholeness to create a world that works for all.

Christian Perspective
Rev. Phil Wagler

Rev. Phil Wagler lives in Kelowna, BC. He has served various Christian congregations in Canada as a pastor within the Mennonite Brethren denomination. Currently he serves as Global Liaison with the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada and provides leadership for the World Evangelical Alliance’s Peace & Reconciliation Network.

Islam Perspective
Maulana Farhan Iqbal

Farhan Iqbal is a Missionary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. He received his degree in Islamic Theology and Comparative Religions in July 2010 from the Ahmadiyya Institute of Islamic studies. He also has a Master’s Degree in Religious Studies, from the University of Ottawa, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Religious Studies. He has served as a Missionary in Ghana, United States, and Canada. He has represented the community in various interfaith events, as well as radio programs and podcasts, and runs the YouTube channel, Understanding Islam. He has co- authored several books, including Understanding Islam: Dispelling myths about Jihad, Oppression and Violence in Islam, and Rise, Transform, Succeed: Habits for Muslim Youth.

Sikh Faith Perspective
Mrs. Amarjit Singh Lalli

Amarjit Singh Lalli is a prominent Kelowna-based entrepreneur, orchardist, and former city council candidate. A local business owner and alumni of Okanagan College, he is deeply involved in community and agricultural initiatives across the Okanagan. Amarjit has run for Kelowna City Council focusing his campaigns on addressing homelessness, substance abuse, and community safety. He is the former President of the Okanagan Sikh Temple and Cultural Society and has advocated for better mental health resources for South Asians. An established orchardist, Amarjit served on the BC Tree Fruits Cooperative board and is an active advocate for Okanagan fruit growers. He is a member of the Kelowna General Hospital Interfaith Spiritual Care Advisory Committee and very active in the interfaith community in Kelowna.

Christian Perspective (LDS)
Dr. Alberto De Feo

Dr. Alberto De Feo is the Assistant Director of Communications responsible for Outreach for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Okanagan. He has served in many church leadership positions and is deeply involved in community volunteer work. He also serves as the Vice Chair of the Multi Faith Summit Council of BC and as Chaplain at the Kelowna General Hospital. After a long career as Chief Administrative Officer in various local governments, Dr. De Feo retired and provides leadership and strategic consulting support to various organizations in both the private and public sector. He is also a professor of Political Science with the University of Northern BC specializing in leadership, ethics, and public administration. A native of Italy, Dr. De Feo has called Lake Country home for the last 17 years.

Jewish Faith Perspective
Mr. Steven Finkleman

Steven Finkleman is a long-time member and past-president of the Okanagan Jewish Community centred in Kelowna.

He is a co-director of the Okanagan Multifaith Community, involved in a variety of multicultural events in the City and a volunteer at Kelowna Community Resources mentoring newcomers to Canada.   He is excited to be one of the panelists at tonight’s World Religion Conference on the important topic of “Loving Thy Neighbour.”

Buddhism Perspective
Mr. Naoki Hirano

Naoki Hirano, the minister of Kelowna Buddhist Temple, is a compassionate spiritual leader with deep knowledge of Japanese Buddhism, Jodo Shinshu (Shin Buddhism in English). His wide variety of experience in different industries, such as computer engineering and aviation, enables Naoki to share the Buddhist teachings with the local community from “a lay person’s perspective.”Naoki moved to Kelowna in 2021 and enjoys outdoor sports (biking, kayaking, mountain hiking)

with his family.

Baha`I Perspective
Mrs. Fariba Sabet – Sharghi

Fariba Sabet-Sharghi is a Canadian educator, community development practitioner, and international trainer with more than 40 years of experience across five continents. She has lived and worked in Iran, Canada, Israel, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, Malawi, South Africa, and China, advancing education, public health, community development, refugee integration, and intercultural understanding.

With academic training in nutrition, public health, social and economic development, forced migration, and education, Fariba has worked with diverse communities, including children, youth, educators, health professionals, refugees, and community leaders. Guided by the Bahá’í principles of the oneness of humanity, the harmony of science and religion, and the transformative power of education, she brings a global perspective to community building, educational initiatives, and interfaith dialogue. She is fluent in English, French, and Persian.

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