Presided and Moderated by Michael Melling,
CTV Anchor, Ontario, Canada

An experienced reporter and anchor of CTV Southwestern Ontario news team. Had one-on-one interviews ranging from the Prime Minister of Canada to rock groups. Covered a variety of stories from the mass murders in Shedden, Ontario and the tensions in Caledonia, to lighter features on gliding to tattoos. Previously employed at Report on Business Television in Toronto, Michael holds an MA in International Journalism from Cardiff University, UK, and a Bachelor of Commerce from Queen's University. He also studied French and International Business at IECS Strasbourg, France.

The following is the line-up of speakers representing various faiths and philosophical traditions selected for the 28th World Religions Conference on the theme "Founders of Religion - Model for Humanity", scheduled for October 26, 2008 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 November 24, 2007 at the University of Waterloo. The speakers are listed in this determined order.

1. Naseem Mahdi - Toronto

Representing Islam

An inspiring presenter and scholar. Naseem is the Missionary In-charge and Senior Vice President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama`at, Canada. Graduate of Islamic Studies, with a keen interest in world religions. Served the Muslim Communities in Switzerland, Austria, Italy and Canada. Chief Editor of the Ahmadiyya Gazette. Recipient of Governor General's Award for Community service. Strong proponent of interfaith dialogue, who has traveled across Canada each year to participate in numerous multi-faith events.

2. Dr. Raj Dubey - Waterloo

Representing Hinduism

Brilliant speaker and scholar, Raj is a founding member of the Brahmarishi Mission of Canada and Spiritual Heritage Education Network of the Waterloo region. Translated, edited and compiled five publications related to the ancient Indian Philosophy. Gave numerous seminars and lectures on methods of knowledge, yoga and art of peaceful and harmonious living both in Canada and abroad. Former faculty member of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Waterloo.

3. Gursev Singh - Waterloo

Representing Sikhism

Teacher and motivational speaker, Gursev graduated from University of Waterloo and has a B.Ed. from Queen’s University. Spirituality is one of his foremost passions. A musician who loves singing the hymns from the holy Guru Granth Sahib. In his free time he shares his singing and experiences at Sikh retreats, conferences, and congregations across North America. Gursev is a High School teacher in Kitchener-Waterloo.

4. Myeengun Henry - London

Representing Aboriginal Spirituality

Aboriginal traditional counselor and member of Chippewas of the Thames First Nation. Graduate of the Indigenous Wellness and Addictions Prevention program at Canadore College. Nominee for the Premier's award and Student Leadership award. Current chair for the Aboriginal Circle of Education. Practitioner of Aboriginal medicine and ceremonies. Worked with the homeless as a street patrol front-line worker and coordinator for the Aboriginal traditional healers program at Anishnabe Health, Toronto.

5. Dr. Daniel Maoz - Kitchener

Representing Judaism

Engaging speaker and Jewish scholar, Daniel is member of both Orthodox and Reform Jewish communities of Kitchener-Waterloo. Professor of two university Jewish Studies programs. An active volunteer for the Chevra Kadisha (ritual burial) and for the YMCA Cross-Cultural Host Program over the past several years. Holds a Ph.D from France and M.A. in History. Widely published and internationally presents his research in Jewish Studies.

6. Dr. David B. Perrin – Waterloo

Representing Christianity

An accomplished presenter and academic, Dr. Perrin is the President and Vice-Chancellor at St. Jerome's University, the public Roman Catholic university federated with the University of Waterloo. Holds a Ph.D from the University of Ottawa and a Licentiate in Theology from the Institute of Spirituality Rome, Italy. Authored several books and many articles on Christian spirituality. Past President of the international Society for the Study of Christian Spirituality.

7. Doug Thomas - Elmira

Representing Humanism (Atheists and Agnostics)

Acclaimed writer, teacher, and columnist for Humanist Network News, Doug graduated from the University of Western Ontario, majoring in North American History and Literature. His articles have been published by the International Humanist and Ethical Union and by Humanist publications in India and Scotland. He is the Managing Editor of Canadian Freethinker Magazine, Director of the Society of Ontario Freethinkers, and a member of the Humanist Association of Canada.

8. Susan Child - Waterloo

Representing Buddhism

Susan is the founder of the Waterloo Riverview Dharma Centre, a non-sectarian Buddhist centre, where she is the spiritual coordinator and teaches Buddhism and meditation. A dedicated Buddhist practitioner, since 1990, Susan has been engaging in intensive study, and retreat practice in Asia, Europe and North America with respected Dharma teachers in the Theravadan and Tibetan traditions of Buddhism. She is actively involved with local interfaith groups and initiatives.

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