The Role of Faith Communities in Bridging Gaps in Our Society
Moderator: Brian Adams, Ph.D.
Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025 | 7 p.m.
Baron-Forness Library, First Floor
PennWest Edinboro
Free Admission | Free Parking
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Dr. Brian Adams
Dr. Brian Adams is the Chair of the governing board for A Common Word Among the Youth (ACWAY), an international NGO supporting youth leadership in interfaith and intercultural dialogue. He was founding director of the Centre for Interfaith & Cultural Dialogue in Brisbane, Australia and the architect of the G20 Interfaith Forum, among other dialogue platforms. He has 20+ years of experience working in Africa, Europe, North America and the Asia-Pacific gaining fluency in French and Swahili along with his native English.
Holder of a Doctorate of Philosophy in Political Science, and two Master's degrees in Community Development and Conflict Resolution, Dr. Adams focuses on the promotion of interreligious, intercultural, and inter-organizational respect and understanding. As a former Rotary Peace Fellow, Brian is primarily focused on promoting respect and understanding across cultural, religious and organizational boundaries.
Panelists
Suhendra Singh Ajmani
President of the Board of Trustees at the Tri-State Sikh Cultural Society in Pittsburgh
and vice president of Monroeville Interfaith Ministerium
Rev. Liddy Barlow
Executive minister of Christian Associates of Southwest Pennsylvania
Rabbi Mark Goodman
Spiritual leader of Brith Sholom Jewish Center of Erie and associate rabbi of Congregation
Beth Shalom in Pittsburgh
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
About the Series
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.