43rd World Religions Conference

Combatting Hate

43rd World Religions Conference

Sunday, November 23, 2025 (12:30 pm ~ 5:45 pm)
Lazaridis Hall Auditorium at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
Theme: Combatting Hate
Canada's Largest Multi Faith Event

Entire conference will be live streamed here on this website. 

The 43rd World Religions Conference will be held this fall on Sunday, November 23, 2025 at Lazaridis Hall at Wilfrid Laurier University. The conference has been organized in Canada since 1981. It has a long tradition for bringing together renowned scholars for a deep and thought-provoking exchange of ideas. The event aims to explore the teachings and practices of different religious and philosophical traditions, with the hope that such mutual exploration will encourage better understanding and promote harmonious co-existence among the members of the society.

The theme selected for this year’s conference is: Combatting Hate

The theme “Combatting Hate” calls upon faith communities to confront one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Hate in its many forms—whether based on religion, race, culture, or ideology—undermines peace and erodes the values of justice and compassion that lie at the heart of all major faith traditions. At this year’s World Religions Conference, representatives from eight world religions will share their perspectives on how spiritual teachings, moral principles, and lived experiences can help root out prejudice and intolerance. Together, the voices of diverse faiths will highlight the power of dialogue, empathy, and collective action in transforming hate into understanding, division into unity, and fear into hope.

About World Religions Conference

The World Religions Conference (WRC) is a multi-faith event which brings together well-known scholars from the world’s major religions to speak on a common topic from the point of view of their respective religious traditions. For 41+ years, the WRC has served as an invaluable forum for different religious and ethnic communities to gather in the spirit of tolerance, peace, cooperation, and understanding. The WRC serves the noble purpose of educating members of the community regarding interesting and relevant topics by providing a platform where all major religions can pool their collective wisdom and teachings regarding the topic. Continually on the rise in terms of organizational standards, quality of content, and attendance, the WRC has become Canada's largest and longest running event of its kind!

The conference has a long tradition for bringing together renowned scholars for a deep and thought-provoking exchange of ideas. The event aims to explore the teachings and practices of different religious and philosophical traditions, with the hope that such mutual exploration will encourage better understanding and promote harmonious co-existence among the members of the society.

Participating Religions and Philosophical Traditions:

Buddhism, Islam, Sikhism, Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Indigenous Spirituality and Humanism (Atheism and Agnostics)

Speakers of the 43rd World Religions Conference:

The conference has been organized in Canada since 1981. It has a long tradition for bringing together renowned scholars for a deep and thought-provoking exchange of ideas. The event aims to explore the teachings and practices of different religious and philosophical traditions, with the hope that such mutual exploration will encourage better understanding and promote harmonious co-existence among the members of the society.

Date of Event: Sunday, November 23, 2025 12:30pm to 5:00pm
Venue: Lazaridis Hall Auditorium Hall, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada 

For more info call: 1-877-INFO-WRC

Register here to attend:
Registration Form 2025

[Futher updates and details about the event will be posted here] 

Following is a line up of distinguished speakers and scholars chosen to represent different faiths & philosophies at the 43rd World Religions Conference on Sunday, November 23, 2025

The theme for this year's event is "Combatting Hate". 

	Moderator Mary Lou Roe – Waterloo Councillor for the City of Waterloo, Mary is a community leader and entrepreneur dedicated to building a stronger, more inclusive city. Waterloo graduate, she founded The Wonderful Women's Club and chairs grassroots committees supporting newcomers, including the Community Coalition on Refugee and Immigrant Concerns. Recipient of Volunteer Waterloo Region's Outstanding Leadership Award, she works to foster vibrant neighbourhoods where all residents thrive.
	Representing Judaism Jay Judkowitz – Waterloo President of Temple Shalom, a Reform Jewish synagogue in Waterloo. Jay has been active in antihate activities in the Waterloo Region in partnership with government, police, and members of other faith communities. Immigrated here nine years ago and feels compelled to actively promote Canada's values of peace and tolerance which were a major motivator for him and his family to choose Canada as their home.
	Representing Hinduism Dr. Shiv D. Talwar – Waterloo A scholar and author, Dr Talwar was profoundly shaped by the interfaith violence of India's Partition, inspiring a lifelong mission to heal humanity. Retiring early from civil engineering, he authored three books on the shared metaphysical roots of religions, blending ancient wisdom with modern science, and redefining education through personal transformation. Now teaches graduate courses in Neurobiology of Transformation, promoting inner growth and societal harmony.
	Representing Islam Imam Farhan Iqbal - Mississauga A prolific speaker, author, and research scholar. Imam Farhan is a missionary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community with degrees in Islamic Theology and Religious Studies. Served in Ghana, the U.S., and Canada, and is pursuing his Doctorate in Religious Studies. Routinely appears at interfaith events, media, and on his YouTube channel Understanding Islam. Authored several books and articles, including a recently published one "Rise, Transform, Succeed: Habits for Muslim Youth."
	Representing Buddhism Dr. Mitra Barua - Waterloo Research scholar and educator, Mitra is the Assistant Professor in Asian Studies and Buddhist Scholar in Residence at Martin Luther University College, (Wilfrid). He teaches Buddhism and Asian Wisdom Traditions contributing to Luther's MA program in Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy. Previously, taught and conducted research at Cornell University, Rice University and the University of Saskatchewan. Author of Seeding Buddhism with Multiculturalism (2019).
	Representing Indigenous Clarence Cachagee - Kitchener Charming speaker, Clarence is a Sixties Scoop survivor from Chapleau Cree First Nation, A community leader and founder of Crow Shield Lodge, a non-profit offering land-based healing for all nations in Waterloo Region. His biography, North Wind Man, shares his story of experiencing homelessness and addiction rooted in generational trauma, and his journey supporting others on their paths to healing.
	Representing Sikh Religion Upkar Singh - Brampton Community worker and leader. Upkar studied traditional Sikh philosophy in India and is engaged with contemporary Sikh scholarship. B.Sc. in Psychology with a major in History and a minor in the History of Religions from the University of Toronto, he brings an interdisciplinary approach to his work. His focus on dialogue, reflection, and interfaith understanding emphasizes community building and the cultivation of mutual respect across cultural and religious boundaries.
	Representing Christianity Father Toby Collins - Kitchener Pastor of St. Mary's Church in Kitchener, Fr Toby was inspired by the Resurrectionist community to dedicate his life to service and hope. For over 20 years, he has been transformed by the message of Jesus' resurrection and the support of his community. Passionate about social justice, he leads initiatives such as building Tiny Homes for the homeless and fostering friendships with society's most vulnerable.
	Representing Humanism (Atheist & Agnostics) Sassan Sanei - Waterloo Respected philosopher and electrical engineer, earning both degrees at the University of Waterloo. Sussan's academic path reflects his passion for bridging the humanities with science. His technology career deepened his understanding of how innovation, ethics, and responsibility shape society. As a Humanist Officiant, he performs ceremonies for people of all cultures. Sassan serves on the Board of Humanist Canada to advance reason, compassion, and fair public policies.

Sunday, November 26, 2025

Lazaridis Auditorium, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo

THEME: Combatting HATE

OPENING SESSION

12:00p Doors Open
     — Welcome and Registration
     — Visit to World Religions Displays & Bazaar

12:30p Welcome by Moderator
     — Mary Lou Roe, Councillor City of Waterloo

12:32p Opening Recitation from the Holy Qur’an

12:36p Opening Ceremony
              — Introduction of Speakers and Dignitaries
              — Unveiling of the World Religions Conference Plaque
              — Singing of O'Canada - National Anthem of Canada
              — Words by President, WRC organizing committee
                         — Dr. Ahmad Imran

12:46p Introductory Remarks
             — Lal Khan Malik, National President,
             Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama`at Canada

12:51p Speaker’s Introductory Teaser Remarks *

12:52p — Judaism: Jay Judkowitz – Waterloo
12:55p — Hinduism: Dr. Shiv D. Talwar – Waterloo
12:58p — Islam: Imam Farhan Iqbal - Mississauga
1:01p — Buddhism: Dr. Mitra Barua, Waterloo
1:04p — Indigenous: Clarence Cachagee - Kitchener
1:07p — Sikhism: Upkar Singh - Brampton
1:10p — Christianity: Father Toby Collins - Kitchener
1:13p — Humanism: Sassan Sanei - Waterloo

1:16p Messages and Greetings from Guest Dignitaries
— Local and Regional Leaders
— Provincial and National leaders

1:30p Break Time and Social Interactions
— Complimentary Refreshments

THEME SESSION - "Combatting HATE"

Speakers present his/her view of their respective faith on the theme (10 minutes each). Each presentation will be followed by a presentation of recitation from the Holy Scriptures (3.5 minutes).

2:00p Introduction to the Theme Session — Moderator

2:02p Judaic Perspective — Jay Judkowitz – Waterloo
2:12p Jewish Recitation or Hymn — Jewish Community

2:16p Hindu Perspective — Dr. Shiv D. Talwar - Waterloo
2:26p Hindu Recitation or Hymn — Hindu Community

2:30p Islamic Perspective — Imam Farhan Iqbal - Mississauga
2:40p Islamic Recitation or Hymn — Muslim Community

2:44p Buddhist Perspective — Dr. Mitra Barua, Waterloo
2:54p Buddhist Recitation or Hymn — Buddhist Community

2:58p Indigenous Perspective — Clarence Cachagee - Kitchener
3:08p Indigenous Recitation or Hymn — Indigenous Community

3:12p Sikh Perspective — Upkar Singh - Brampton
3:22p Sikh Recitation or Hymn — Sikh Community

3:26p Christian Perspective — Father Toby Collins - Kitchener
3:36p Christian Recitation or Hymn — Indigenous Community

3:40p Humanist Perspective — Sassan Sanei - Waterloo
3:50p Secular Presentation — Humanist Community

3:54p Coffee Break — Complimentary Refreshments and Social

INTERACTIVE & CONCLUDING SESSION

4:20p Introduction to the Q/A Session — Moderator

4:22p Open Question & Answer Session — with all speakers of different faiths and philosophies

5:24p Vote of Thanks - Recognition of Speakers and Volunteers — Nabeel Rana, WRC Event Coordinator

5:27p Closing Remarks — Moderator & Chair

5:29p Silent Multi-Faith Prayer — All Faiths

5:30p Dinner and Social

(* The order of presentations was determined via random draw at the last World Religions Conference, held Nov 26, 2023)