Religions conference offers ‘deep thoughts’

Victoria’s 10th World Religions Conference will bring preachers and teachers together at the University of Victoria on Sunday.

The topic — What are the effects of one’s deeds in this life and the after life? — was discussed during the Great Religions Conference first held in India in 1896, said organizer Rizwan Peerzada.

It’s a fitting question likely to generate deep thought and discussion, he said.

“We live in a society in which we have different cultures and faiths, and we claim we understand each other and sometimes we don’t,” Peerzada said.

Canada, as a country that welcomes immigrants and celebrates diversity, is an especially free country in which to have such interfaith discussions, Peerzada said. The conference has been held in 10 cities in B.C.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama`at Canada is hosting the conference, one of the largest multi-faith events of its kind in Canada.

Federal Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, the member of Parliament representing Saanich-Gulf Islands, and Victoria Coun. Jeremy Loveday will provide welcoming remarks.

“I applaud the organizers for convening a discussion that is multi-faith and interdenominational,” said May, who studied theology in hopes of one day being ordained as an Anglican minister. “Building bridges across cultures and religions is key in creating a culture of peace.”

Scholars from the Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh faiths are scheduled to present their viewpoints.

The day’s discussion will be followed by a multimedia presentation focused on providing the tools and methods to help maintain peace in society.

The conference will be held 3-7 p.m. Sunday at the University of Victoria’s David Lam Auditorium, 3800 Finnerty Rd. Admission is free. The auditorium seats about 300 people.