Conference | Tackling Anti-Asian Racism
Tackling Anti-Asian Racism: Tapping into Lived Experiences of Canadians of Asian Descent Actively Practicing Faith and Spiritualities of Christian and Other-Than-Christian
Schedule: Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
This conference explores how interreligious dialogue and diverse spiritual traditions can help address anti-Asian racism in Canada while fostering justice, healing and solidarity.
Overview
Organized by the Committee on Asian/North American Asian Theologies and Spiritualities (CANAATS), this conference brings together scholars, faith leaders, students and community members to examine the intersections of anti-Asian racism, theology, spirituality and social justice in the Canadian context.
Celebrating the 30th anniversary of CANAATS, the conference reflects Emmanuel College's longstanding commitment to interreligious engagement, inclusive dialogue and justice. Through keynote discussions, panel conversations and opportunities for reflection, participants will explore how Christian, Buddhist, Muslim and other faith traditions can contribute to confronting racism, strengthening resilience and building solidarity across communities.
Topics will include the meaning and diversity of Asian identity, relationships between anti-racism and anti-Indigenous frameworks, theological responses to racism and practical approaches to community engagement. The conference aims to foster meaningful dialogue while equipping participants with resources for continued learning and action.
Conference schedule
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 9-9:05 a.m. | Land acknowledgement Wing Yi Wong, EMPACT Director, Emmanuel College |
| 9:05-9:15 a.m. | Welcome Remarks & Introduction |
| 9:15-10:45 a.m. | Panel 1 | United Church of Canada Moderator: HyeRan Kim-Cragg, Principal & Professor of Preaching Speakers: Carmen Lansdowne, Assistant Professor of United Church of Canada Studies, Emmanuel College Hye Lim Yoon, PhD Candidate, Emmanuel College Wing Yi Wong, EMPACT Director, Emmanuel College |
| 10:45-11 a.m. | Coffee Break |
| 11 a.m.-Noon | Panel 2 | Buddhist Dharma Beyond Racism and Colonialism Moderator: Wonjong Lee, PhD Student, Emmanuel College Speakers: Henry Shiu, Shi Wu De Associate Professor of Chinese Buddhism, Emmanuel College Jennifer Bright, Wutai Shan Venerable Dayi Assistant Professor of Buddhist Spiritual Care, Emmanuel College |
| Noon-2 p.m. | Lunch The EM Formal Lounge |
| 2-3:30 p.m. | Panel 3 | Muslim/Interreligious Panel Moderator: SeungJun Hwang, PhD Student, Trinity College Speakers: Lailatul Fitriyah, Associate Professor of Interreligious Education, Claremont School of Theology Reyner Budiman, PhD Candidate, Emmanuel College Ruth Kause, PhD Candidate, Emmanuel College |
| 3-3:45 p.m. | Coffee Break |
| 3:45-5:15 p.m. | Panel 4 | Confronting Anti-Asian Racism through Interreligiosity Moderator: Wing Yi Wong, EMPACT Director, Emmanuel College Speakers: Ren Ito, Program Coordinator for the Canadian Centre for Catholic Pastoral Leadership, Regis St. Michael’s College Ching Sum Leung, PhD Candidate, Regis St. Michael’s College Wing Yin Li, PhD Student, Princeton Theological Seminary |
| 5:15-5:30 p.m. | Processing Session and Closing Ritual Hae Bin Jung, Minister, Wesley Mimico |