PennWest Edinboro will host an interfaith panel featuring leaders of multiple faith traditions to examine how religion can foster unity. The event, titled “The Role of Faith Communities in Bridging Gaps in Our Society,” is part of the Dr. James Drane Speaker Series on Religion and Culture.

The discussion will take place at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 8, on the first floor of Baron-Forness Library. Admission and parking are free.

The conversation will be moderated by Brian Adams, Ph.D., an internationally recognized scholar of interfaith dialogue. Dr. Adams, who visited PennWest Edinboro in April to discuss how universities can serve as bridges across faith and secular lines, was the founding director of the Centre for Interfaith & Cultural Dialogue in Brisbane, Australia, and the architect of the G20 Interfaith Forum.

Panelists include:

Suhendra Singh Ajmani, president of the Board of Trustees at the Tri-State Sikh Cultural Society in Pittsburgh and vice president of the Monroeville Interfaith Ministerium. A member of the Sikh Cultural Society since 1983, Mr. Ajmani is dedicated to fostering growth in others by bringing the teachings of scripture and spiritual traditions into daily life. His emphasis on unity, equality, respect, and the principle of One Creator reflects his lifelong commitment to building bridges across communities.

Rev. Liddy Barlow, executive minister of Christian Associates of Southwest Pennsylvania, representing 28 Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox church bodies across the region. A visible interfaith leader in the aftermath of the Tree of Life Synagogue tragedy, Rev. Barlow has received numerous awards for her leadership and commitment to dialogue, healing, and justice.

Rabbi Mark Goodman, spiritual leader of Brith Sholom Jewish Center of Erie and associate rabbi of Congregation Beth Shalom in Pittsburgh. Rabbi Goodman is deeply engaged in interfaith and social justice efforts, serving with Squirrel Hill Stands Against Gun Violence, Cease Fire PA, HIAS, and the Pennsylvania Interfaith Impact Network. He is also the author of “Life Lessons from Recently Dead Rabbis: Hassidut for the People.”

Father Shane Mathew, associate provost for Mission Immersion at Gannon University, a sacramental assistant for Erie-area parishes and the Erie Diocese’s ecumenical officer. An ordained Roman Catholic priest, Father Mathew brings pastoral, academic, and theological expertise, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in systematic theology at Duquesne University.

This marks the fifth year of the speaker series, which has previously tackled topics ranging from the compatibility of science and religion to end-of-life spirituality.

The series is named in honor of Dr. James Drane, founding director of PennWest Edinboro’s Bioethics Institute and a long-tenured professor of philosophy and religion. An internationally recognized scholar and one of the pioneers of bioethics, Dr. Drane established the endowed lecture series in 2019. He passed away in 2023 at the age of 93.

By convening voices from different faith traditions, the 2025 dialogue continues Dr. Drane’s legacy of exploring the intersection of religion, ethics, and culture in ways that foster understanding and shared purpose.