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Presided and Moderated by
Presided and Moderated by
Matthew Kang
Famous TV and Radio Journalist
Vastly admired as a fair and credible journalist. Matthew is one of the reporters with the CBC's new bureau in Kitchener-Waterloo, where he covers news and current affairs for Waterloo Region and the Guelph area. Formerly, he was a video journalist with CTV Kitchener and a radio/online journalist with the English service of Deutsche Welle, Germany's international broadcaster. In 2012, he was awarded by RTDNA Canada with the Adrienne Clarkson Diversity Award.
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Representing Sikhism
Balpreet Kaur – Ohio, USA
Inspired Sikh activist and leader. Balpreet is studying International Development and Neuroscience at Ohio State University. Inspired by the universal tenets of love and service in Sikhism, engages in critical interfaith dialogue with college students through Interfaith Youth Core as well as on campus as President of the campus inter-faith movement, Better Together. Actively involved in leadership programs, youth camps, and conferences across the Midwest and on TEDx.
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Representing Humanism (Atheists and Agnostics)
Doug Thomas – Elmira
A life-long Agnostic, Doug has been an active Humanist since 2002. As President of The Society of Ontario Freethinkers, and Secular Connexion Séculaire, he advocates consistently for Humanist rights and separation of church and state. This year, Doug was nominated for the J.S. Woodsworth Award for Human Rights and Equity. He is a published historical fiction novelist, edits Canadian Freethinker E-zine, and contributes regularly to Huffington Post.
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Representing Aboriginals
Rev. Kathryn Gorman-Lovelady – Tiny, ON
A well-known Aboriginal Spiritual Teacher and Speaker. Kathryn is a psychology alumnus of the University of Guelph. Post-graduate work includes theology, and traditional healing. Licensed minister, Elder, shaman and Moderator of Wolfe Island Métis Interfaith Church. Kathryn is of First Nations heritage and presently the chair of the north-central region committee of the Ontario Multifaith Council. As a textile artist, runs a studio in Tiny, Ontario.
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Representing Judaism
Rabbi Dow Marmur – Toronto
A Jewish scholar and an advocate of interfaith relations, Rabbi Marmur is the President of Jewish Synagogue, Toronto. Born in Poland, and graduated from Leo Baeck College, London. Served 2 congregations in Britain, Senior Rabbi of Holy Blossom, Toronto. Executive Director of the World Union for Progressive Judaism, Jerusalem. Recipient of Poland's Order of Merit, and Ohev Yisrael Award. Authored 6 books and a regular columnist in the Toronto Star.
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Representing Islam
Mubarak A. Nazir - Toronto
Prolific speaker. Mubarak is the Senior Vice President and Missionary Incharge of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama`at Canada. Regularly appears on broadcast media, and has lectured at numerous forums explaining contemporary Islamic issues. A graduate with a scientific background. After dedicating his life, served as Missionary both in Africa and Canada. Principal of various Ahmadiyya Islamic Schools in Africa and most recently of the Ahmadiyya Institute in Canada.
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Representing Hinduism
Swami Haripriya Parivrajika – KW
Disciple of H.H. Brahmrishi Shri Vishvatma Bawra Ji Maharaj, Haripriya completed M.A. in psychology from Rijks University of Leiden, Holland. In India did spiritual practices, studied Sanskrit, Yoga, Upanishad and other scriptures and since 2001 a preacher at Brahmarishi Mission of Canada. Teaches Yoga, Sanskrit and delivers discourses at various places including Universities in Canada, India and Europe. Organizes and conducts Yoga Camps and courses for children and adults.
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Representing Buddhism
Venerable Jue Qian – Mississauga
Chinese Buddhist Nun and Dharma teacher, Jue was ordained as a nun in Taiwan, Fo Guang Shan Temple. Holds a Master's Degree in Business from Australia, and a Master's Degree in Chinese Buddhism from Tsung Lin University. As the member of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto and the person in-charge of the Waterloo Buddha's Light Centre, teaches Buddhism Dharma and meditation workshops in temples, high schools, colleges and universities.
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Representing Christianity
Dr. Don Posterski – Toronto
Renown presenter. Don Posterski completed his tenure with World Vision International as the Director of “Faith and Development.” Former professor in Christianity and Culture at McMaster University, Don has written several books interpreting gospel and culture. Most recent publication is “Jesus on Justice: Living with compassion and conviction.” A frequent conference speaker, his global experience required him to interface with the complex dynamics of other world religions.
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