In the Name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful 17th World Religions Conference- Victoria Theme: Religion in the Timeless Question of Suffering Gary Oak Gymnasium, Commonwealth Pl, Victoria Held on February 5th, 2023 Victoria Jama`at, BC,     The Canada Goals and Objectives of the Conference  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 coexistence among the members of Canada’s cultural mosaic. To strive to lessen the gap between diverse communities and to demonstrate that we can live together with the spirit of acceptance, harmony, and compassion. To promote interfaith respect, harmony, inclusiveness, and diversity. To inculcate mutual understanding and respect between different faith traditions and philosophies of the world. To promote respect, harmony, and cohesion among all people. History The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama`at, BC Region, hosted the first conference in 2006 after World Religions Conference, Victoria at David Lam Auditorium , University of Victoria, The  seating capacity of auditorium was 270 was packed with guests.  In total on stage and outside were more than 300. The success continued The Lieutenant Governor of BC Hon. Stephen Point chaired conference in 2007 Publicity Campaign The Victoria Ahmadiyya Jama’at’s Campaigned was very effective  Alhamdolillah,. The Facebook campaign garnered 11000 views, 12 comments. We posted posters in Vancouver Island  various towns specially in Victoria 145 posters, 500 invitation cards, sent 4000 emails and promotion through endorsements  for example Victoria Multifaith Society, Victoria Community Foundation etc, helped us to achieve goals Our print media campaign was very successful  and radio campaign, more than 75,000 listeners on 98.5 FM. Event Details (17th World Religions Conference, Victoria, BC) Theme: The Timeless Question of Suffering Victoria Jama`at, BC held the17th World Religions Conference, Victoria, BC, on Sunday, February 5th, 2023. The program started at 6:00 PM local time in person, with the recitation of Holy Quran by Al Sultan Husin member of Victoria Jama`at, and English translation by verses by Rukhsaan Butt Sahib, President of Victoria Chapter followed by welcome remarks of dignitaries. Mr. Gary Anderson, The President of The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints, May Shihadeh Board member of Victoria Multifaith Society, His Worship, Dean Murdock, the mayor of District of Saanich,   Respected Maulana Umran ul Haq Bhatti (AMJ, BC) delivered  presentation on the topic. Later, the following 9 Speakers from various faiths presented their views on the topic. 345 attendees participated in person program.  Some members of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama`at Victoria, Surrey, Delta and Abbotsford helped this conference. Moderator: Councillor Karen Harper of District of Saanich did awesome service. Introductory remarks provided by Rizwan Peerzada, Regional President AMJ BC Indigenous Blessing Ceremony by Joan Morris of Songhees First Nation, Indian Band   Baha’i                                    Ms. Gita Badiyan Christianity Anglican       Rev. Leslie Flynn Islam                                     Maulana Umran Bhatti Sikh Faith                             Mr. Gian Singh Kotli Christianity LDS                 Mr. Dale Ruttan Jewish Faith                       Mrs.  Shoshana Litman Hindu Faith                         Mr. Shrikant Shenwai New Thought                    Ms. Lesia Kohut Buddhism                            Mr. Wayne Codling   We hope that by the grace of Allah Almighty, these efforts of our Jama`at resulted in spreading true message of Islam to the Canadian population. May Allah (s.w.t) accept our humble efforts and bestow upon us His mercy and blessings (Aamin).   Impact: The impact on speakers, panel and the guests who attended, is enormous . There is no charge to attend the conference. Moreover, complementary refreshments and dinner including vegetarian and non-vegetarian, have also been provided at no charge for the last 16 years, Sheila Flood Writies Hi Rizwan, Great event on Sunday! Hope you all got home safely and on time? Over half the board members were there, and everyone was very happy with the conference. Jim took a few photos although I'm sure you have many!  https://photos.app.goo.gl/gKxL7wHjNjwpsnSU8   Lesia Kohut, AcsB, RScP, INHC Writes It was such a great event and I’m so honoured to have been able to participate. Jazkumallah wa Ahsan al Jaza Rizwan Peerzada Regional Coordinator Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama`at, BC Email: [email protected] Cell: 1-604-767-1965

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