Sunday, November 22, 2026
Lazaridis Auditorium, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo
THEME: From Battlegounds to Common Grounds
OPENING SESSION
11:30a — Doors Open: Welcome & Registration
12:00p — Welcome by Moderator — Tim Louis, MP
12:02p — Opening Recitation from the Holy Qur’an
12:06p — 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
12:18p — Welcome from Martin Luther University College
— Rev. Dr. Daranne Harris, Principal-Dean
12:22p — Introductory Remarks by National President
— Lal Khan Malik, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Canada
12:27p — Faith in Focus: World Religions Year in Review
12:33p — Speakers’ Introductory Teaser Remarks
12:34p — Judaism — Rabbi David Mivasair, Hamilton
12:37p — Hinduism — Dr. Raj Balkaran, Toronto
12:40p — Islam — Imam Naveed Mangla, Ottawa
12:43p — Indigenous — Jean Becker, Guelph
12:46p — Humanism — Leslie Rosenblood, Toronto
12:49p — Christianity — Dr. Reina C. Neufeldt, Waterloo
12:52p — Buddhism — Venerable Zhi Guan, Mississauga
12:55p — Sikhism — Rupinder S. Khangura, Brampton
12:58p — Messages and Greetings from Guest Dignitaries
— Local, Regional, Provincial and National leaders
1:15p — Intermission & Community Connections
— Complimentary Refreshments
THEME SESSION - "From Battlegrounds to Common Grounds"
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 (4 minutes).
1:45p — Introduction to the Theme Session — Moderator
1:47p — Judaic Perspective: Rabbi David Mivasair — Hamilton
1:57p — Jewish Sacred Hymn/Recitation Presentation
2:01p — Hindu Perspective: Dr. Raj Balkaran — Toronto
2:11p — Hindu Sacred Hymn/Recitation Presentation
2:15p — Islamic Perspective: Imam Naveed Mangla — Ottawa
2:25p — Islamic Sacred Recitation/Poetry Presentation
2:29p — Indigenous Perspective: Jean Becker — Guelph
2:39p — Indigenous Cultural/Reflective Singing Presentation
2:43p — Humanist Perspective: Leslie Rosenblood — Toronto
2:53p — Humanist Reflective Singing Presentation
2:57p — Christian Perspective: Dr. Reina C. Neufeldt — Waterloo
3:07p — Christian Sacred Hymn/Recitation Presentation
3:11p — Buddhist Perspective: Venerable Zhi Guan — Mississauga
3:21p — Buddhist Sacred Hymn/Chanting Presentation
3:25p — Sikh Perspective: Rupinder Singh Khangura — Brampton
3:35p — Sikh Sacred Recitation/Kirtan Presentation
3:39p — Intermission & Community Connections
— Complimentary Refreshments
3:39p Coffee Break — Complimentary Refreshments and Social
INTERACTIVE & CONCLUDING SESSION
4:10p — Introduction to the Q/A Session — Moderator
4:12p — Open Interfaith Question & Answer Forum
— with all speakers of different faiths and philosophies
5:15p — Vote of Thanks - Recognition of Speakers and Volunteers
— Nabeel A. Rana, WRC Event Coordinator
5:18p — Closing Remarks — Moderator & Conference Chair
— Draw for Speakers order for next conference
5:21p — Silent Multi-Faith Prayer & Reflection
5:22p Dinner and Social
(* The order of presentations was determined via random draw at the last World Religions Conference, held Nov 23, 2025)