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Pathway to peace to be explored at Terrace, B.C. conference

Nov. 26 session hosted by the Ahmadiyya Muslim community
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Pathway to peace to be explored at Terrace

THE AHMADIYYA Muslim community returns to the city Nov. 26 for a conference carrying the theme “Pathway to Peace.”

Held at the Salvation Army on Kalum, the afternoon conference features speakers from the aboriginal, Christian, Islam and Sikh perspectives.

“There is an overwhelming sense that things are quickly getting out of control and people are looking for someone to step forward on the global stage to offer concrete guidance to lead humanity on a path that speaks to their hearts and give them hope,” said Rizwan Peerzada, a Vancouver-based organizer for the event.

Skeena NDP MLA Robin Austin is the keynote speaker and Terrace city councillor Lynne Christiansen is the moderator.

“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 Canada’s cultural mosaic,” said Peerzada.

The Ahmadiyya community has explored the same theme in conferences in Victoria, Abbotsford and Kamloops this year. Founded in 1889, the Ahmadiyya community now exists in more than 209 countries and territories and is known for its missionary work. But some of its beliefs are regarded as heretical by the larger Islamic faith and that’s led to members being persecuted in some countries.

The conference begins at 3:55 p.m. Nov. 26 with opening remarks and a welcome by Terrace mayor Carol Leclerc.

Sharon Bryant from Kitsumkalum provides the aboriginal perspective, Salvation Army Captains Jim and Deb VanderHeyden speak on Christianity, Maulana Taha Syed from Calgary provides the Islamic perspective and the Sikh faith is represented by Hargit Singh Bhander of Terrace.

The event ends with dinner for those in attendance.

There is no charge for this event and registration is advised at www.WorldReligionsConference.ca.

Those attending are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for the Salvation Army’s food bank.