Reconciling Existence of God & Human Suffering - INUVIK, NWT

Speakers' Profiles:

Mrs. Sarah Jerome - Representing Aboriginal

Sarah Jerome is Gwich'in beneficiary from the community of Fort McPherson (Tetlit Zhen) in the Northwest Territories. She received her education (K-12) through the Residential Schools in Aklavik, Ft. McPherson and Inuvik. She has been a leader in the Anglican Church since 1997 and enjoyed her work with the ministry. Sarah retired after having a long career as a teacher in 2007. Recently, she became the Languages Commissioner of the Northwest Territories for a term of four years. Her goal is to set up a language and culture camp for people highly interested in learning.

Lama Karma T. Lodro - Representing Buddhism

Lama Karma Tsundulp Lodro (Jefferson Alvin Olson) is a multidisciplinary meditation teacher who seeks to make esoteric information useful to a wide variety of people. Lama Lodro has received monastic ordinations as a Theravadin Buddhist Bhikkhu and Vajrayana Tantric training as a Meditation Lama in the Kargyu and Sakya lineages of Tibetan Buddhism. Born in North America of Viking descent, his spiritual education includes years of study and meditation at Buddhist monasteries in Thailand, Burma, Malaysia, India, Japan, and Sikkim. Lama Lodro's style of communication is seasoned by a sometimes irreverent sense of humour and a buoyantly practical attitude.

Rev. Captain David Parsons - Representing Christianity

Rev. David Parson at the tender age of 19, David decided to seek answers by asking God. He is an Anglican priest and Church Army Evangelist who encourages people to go directly to God with their questions. He has been an itinerant evangelist, chaplain for seafarers, diocesan refugee coordinator, hospital hostel administrator, pastor of All Saints Aklavik and for the past six years, he has been incumbent of the Church of the Ascension in Inuvik. David believes that God will question each of us about our faith, trust, obedience and the consequences of human self rule and independence. God is calling all humans to join Him in a personal relationship, He's holding a sign with a symbol of life, but we mostly choose our own way, not His.

Mr. Naseem Mahdi - Representing Islam

An inspiring presenter and scholar, Naseem is the Missionary In-charge and Senior Vice President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Canada. Graduate of Islamic Studies, with keen interest in World religions, Naseem has served the Muslim Communities in Switzerland, Austria, Italy and Canada. Recipient of Gov. General's Award for Community service, Chief Editor of the Ahmadiyya Gazette, a strong proponent of interfaith dialogue, each year Naseem travels across Canada participating at multi-faith events.

Mr. Gian Singh Kotli - Representing Sikhism

Gian Singh Kotli is a dedicated multi-faith activist. He has a Masters degree in English and Political Science and a Law graduate. He is a prominent Punjabi poet and writer. His articles are published in Punjabi and English Newspapers. He has worked in India, Singapore and Vancouver as Editor, Principal and in various other positions. He is actively involve in interfaith and community programs.