Presided and Moderated by Brent Hanson,
Assistant News Director and Anchor of CKCO-CTV Ontario, Canada

Assistant News Director at CKCO-CTV of Kitchener-Waterloo. CTV is Canada's largest English language television network. Brent is a graduate of the journalism program of Fanshawe College, London, Ontario. Began his career in Saskatchewan, working at radio station CJGX in Yorkton, CKBI television in Prince Albert, and CKCK-TV television in Regina. Traveled to and lived in Australia for nearly two years. Spent the next year coming home overland through South East Asia, India, Nepal, The Middle East, North Africa and Europe. Anchor and host of the weekly CTV news show “Final Round”.

The following is the line-up speakers representing various faiths and philosophical traditions that are selected for the 26th World Religions Conference on the theme "My Faith and Freedom of Conscience", scheduled for December 2, 2006 at the prestigious Humanities Theatre, J. G. Hagey Hall, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. The Order of speakers was determined via random draw held during the last event on October 1, 2005 at the Centre in the Square, Kitchener. The speakers are listed in this determined order.

1. Ameer Naseem Mahdi - Toronto

Representing Islam

An inspiring presenter and scholar. Naseem is the National President and Missionary Incharge of the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam, Canada. Graduate from an Islamic Institution of Pakistan. Former President of Muslim Communities in Switzerland, Austria and Italy. Recipient of Gov. General's Award for Community service. Chair of Ahmadiyya Gazette. CEO of Muslim Television Ahmadiyya Canada. Planned and oversaw the construction of Bai'tul Islam, largest Mosque in Canada.

2. Dr. Shiv Talwar - Waterloo

Representing Hinduism

With early education in spirituality and Civil Engineering from India, Dr. Shiv Talwar taught his professional discipline both in India and Canada. He is a director and past president of Brahmarishi Mission of Canada, and a founding director of Spiritual Heritage Education Network dedicated to the promotion of deep consciousness raising inclusive educational curricula in core spirituality for building one human family living in harmony within the wider world community.

3. Venerable Man Yee - Toronto

Representing Buddhism

Dharma instructor at the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple of Toronto. Graduate from Thunder Bay University in Social Science. Past social worker with drug addicts in Hong Kong. Learnt Mahayana Buddhist tradition through the teachings of Master Hsing Yun. The Venerable received her full ordination at Fo Guang Shan Temple North America. Attended Fo Guang Shan Monastery in Taiwan and participated in numerous Multi-faith gatherings in North America .

4. Steven Singer – Waterloo

Representing Judaism

Engaging speaker and a keen student of the Jewish tradition. Steven is the main lay service leader at Temple Shalom, Waterloo for the last few years. Former president of Kitchener-Waterloo's synagogue, Beth Jacob. Graduated from Toronto and Western Ontario. Grew up as a member at the Beth Tzedec Synagogue. Has traveled to Israel twice and has a deep interest in Jewish religious traditions and customs.

5. Myeengun Henry - London

Representing Aboriginal Spirituality

Aboriginal traditional counselor and member of Chippewas of the Thames First Nation. Myeengun is a graduate of the Indigenous Wellness and Addictions Prevention program of Canadore College. Awarded nomination for the Premier’s award and Student leadership award. Currently vice-chair for the Aboriginal Circle of Education committee. Worked with homelessness as a street patrol front-line and as program coordinator for the traditional healers program at Anishnabe Health, Toronto. Great narrator.

6. Dr. Christopher diCarlo - Oshawa

Representing Atheism

Nominated as Ontario’s Best Lecturer on TV Ontario’s Big Ideas. Atheist philosopher with active participation in Humanism. Frequent contributor to broadcast and print media discussing philosophical issues. Chris is a Ph.D. in Philosophy, and specializes in the areas of Epistemology and the Philosophy of Science. Currently teaches at the University of Ontario Institute of Techology, Oshawa. Past Visiting Scholar at Harvard University. Awarded University of Guelph Teaching Excellence Award 2001-2002.

7. Rev. Dr. Sarah J. Dille – Waterloo

Representing Christianity

Ordained Lutheran pastor and a visiting professor of Hebrew Bible at Toronto School of Theology. Dr. Dille has taught Old Testament and Biblical Hebrew at theological seminaries and colleges in Waterloo, Minnesota and Oklahoma. Ph.D. from Emory University in Atlanta. Authored a book and numerous papers on the Hebrew Bible: images of God (as mother, father, rock), honour and shame, homosexuality and Isaiah 40-55.

8. Sukhsehj Kaur - Waterloo

Representing Sikh Religion

Sikh, Woman, Mother and Teacher. Sukhsehj’s strength as a Sikh woman is evident in her passion for guiding and raising young women to live in grace, strength and self empowerment. As the proprietor of a wholistic preschool, extends her devotion to guiding children to reach their potential physically, mentally, and spiritually. Dedicates her free time teaching and speaking at youth camps and conferences across North America.