Left to right, Wes Fine Day (Indigenous), Amandeep Singh (Sikhism), and Pastor Keith Klippenstein (Christian) were among the speakers at the event. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

Gateway of Peace

World religions conference reflects common ground in diverse perspectives

Mar 1, 2020 | 2:23 PM

It was a time for understanding Saturday when six speakers from different cultures and religious perspectives came together for the Pathway to Peace conference at the North Battleford Library.

Quentin Weenie (Indigenous), Wes Fine Day (Indigenous), Amandeep Singh (Sikhism), Pastor Keith Klippenstein (Christian), Iman C. Mansoor Azeem (Islamism) and Seeta Ram (Hinduism) all spoke about the themes in their beliefs, as well as a common desire for peaceful relationships.

The event was led by moderator Gohar H. Qureshi.

Singh, a member of the Sikh community from Saskatoon, said he hopes the event helped break down some barriers.

“I look forward to these types of events where we can share each of our view points, and find the common ground,” he said. “We can spread the message of peace, love and harmony.”

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He said where he is based in Saskatoon, Singh and others from his community often donate food to the Friendship Inn which provides meals to those in need. He said people need to show their values in their actions.

Singh said he hopes the forum helps to prevent discrimination in society.

“We treat every other religion and every other person with all equality,” he said. “I would not be a Sikh if I would have any hatred or discrimination with anyone because of their colour, creed, religion, caste or anything.”

“I think all religions have most things in common,” he said. “They all believe in God. They all believe in a sin-free life. They all teach about love and affection, and giving back to the community.”

Singh said when someone sees a child crying, they don’t ask the child’s religion or see his colour, and that is how the world should be.

“You try to right away help that kid because you don’t see anything else except the unconditional love,” he said.

Quentin Weenie of Sweetgrass First Nation gave attendees some insight into Indigenous culture and education. He discussed the seven teachings of wisdom, love, respect, courage, honesty, humility and truth in Indigenous culture that leads to a good life.

Of the Territorial Drive Alliance Church in North Battleford, Pastor Klippenstein talked about what it means to live a peaceful life. He said people can’t have peace with others until they have peace within themselves.

While one woman in the audience asked during the question session in the forum why no women were among the speakers, the moderator said organizers did attempt to find women to take part but were unsuccessful.

Muhammad Anwar Mangla, of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community in Lloydminster, who helped organize the event said the purpose was to bring many religious groups and communities together, and “learn from each other.”

Mangla said he believes this is the first time this type of event was held outside of Lloydminster.

Mansoor Azeem, a guest speaker who also helped organize the event, said he hopes the conference helps everyone be able to see the similarities in people of different religions and cultures.

“Let’s set the differences aside,” Mangla said. “That’s how we can bring peace in this whole world.”

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angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow