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(See Links
At Bottom Of Page
For More Information)
1st
Annual
International Conference
on
Religion,
Conflict,
and Peace:
Walking
The Talk Through Fear of the Unknown
To Understanding And Harmony
March
13-15 , 2009
Oakland University ~ Rochester, Michigan USA
~
2009
Event Completed ~
*
Watch for May 2010 2nd Annual RCP Conference
A
Multi-disciplinary, Multi-cultural Conference
An "Official
Pre-Parliament Event" of the
2009 Parliament of World Religions
Organized
by:
Oakland University Islamic Studies Program,
Common Bond Institute,
and International Humanistic
Psychology Association
Endorsed by a growing number
of universities and organizations internationally
Registration
is Open to All
Update:
See
RCP '09 Facilitated Dialogue Group Notes Here
An international
forum promoting Inter-religious
and
Intra-religious dialogue to explore the challenges of Extremism,
Intolerance, Scapegoating, and Islamophobia, and the promise of
Reason, Understanding, Compassion, and Cultural Harmony
The
spiritual experience is both uniquely individual
and universal, tapping into our deepest, most inner self, while connecting
us to the oneness with all.
How each of us chooses our own sometimes quite different path on this
common journey can highlight an appreciation for the rich diversity
of human sacred practice, while at the same time setting the stage
for the potential hazards of elitism, competition, polarity, and even
animosity that paradoxically negate the core message of unity, and
hamper us on that journey.
Religious intolerance, marginalization, scapegoating, and related
conflict are not new experiences, whether in the US or globally. Many
examples are woven throughout our human history that highlight both
the unique circumstances of individual religious groups, and the broader
commonality shared by all who have been on either side of such seemingly
fundamental divides.
Although the dynamics and struggles are universal for all religious
communities exposed to these ills, a most recent, telling example
in the US is the experience of Islam and the Muslim community.
In addition, dichotomies and conflicts within spiritual traditions
themselves, including extremist interpretations and interpolations
of religious tenets and practice, are also historical and present
day dilemmas for many religions.
Understanding how these elements and conditions arise, and how they
compromise, contradict, and even threaten original spiritual intent,
as well as relationships between and within religious communities,
are essential to learning and putting into practice methods for appreciating
diversity and achieving harmony and peace in today's rapidly shrinking
and increasingly inter-dependant world community.
The RCP Conference seeks to create an engaged, inclusive dialogue
to consciously explore together both broader historical dynamics,
implications, and possible remedies, including the current specific
example of Islam and Muslims in American society.
"It
does not require that we be the same to be appreciative of, at
peace with, and secure in our relationships with each other; only
that we be familiar enough with each others story to share the
humanity and trustworthiness that resides in each of us."
 Join
us as we explore:
-
The mutual dilemmas of religious ignorance, extremism,
intolerance, negative stereotypes, prejudice, demonization and dehumanization,
scapegoating, and fear of "the other," that can lead to
toxic divisiveness, polarization, and social paranoia, including a
special focus on Islamophobia and the Muslim community,
and
-
The promise of personal engagement through dialogue
in nurturing a shared consciousness of peace - and in doing so promoting
the religious experience as a healing remedy rather than problem.
Itinerary
An outstanding, international, and diverse
gathering of presenters for a 3-Day Itinerary
of keynotes, workshops, panels, dialogue groups, exhibits, social/cultural
events, multicultural community, and rich networking.
Including keynotes by John Esposito,
Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela, and Mohammed Abu-Nimer.
Complete information, including registration
details, the full program, presenter biographicals, and projected
outcome goals will be posted in the near future.
Guidelines
For Compassionate Dialogue
The
RCP Conference strives to promote an inclusive, compassionate dialogue
that honors different personal experiences, perspectives, and stories,
while allowing for better expressing and listening to each other as
we work together toward understanding and harmony. Our intention is
to create an open, supportive venue where we can genuinely engage
meaningfully, and invite in a public dialogue that brings our joint
wisdom to bear in exploring sometimes difficult issues, misunderstandings,
and even conflicts that effect us all. We ask all participants to
assist us by carrying and expressing this intent throughout the conference.
1st
International Conference on
Religion, Conflict, and Peace
March
13-15, 2009
Oakland University ~ Rochester, Michigan USA
~
2009
Event Just Completed ~
Watch
for 2010 2nd Annual RCP Conference
Conference
Co-coordinators
Achmat
Salie, Oakland University
Steve Olweean, Common Bond Institute
2009
RCP Conference Information:
Main
RCP Conference Page
Fees
and Registration
'09 RCP Full Program
'09 Presenter
Biographicals
'09 List
of Presenters and Schedule Outline
Site and Travel
RCP Press Room
1
Page Color RCP Conference flyer - pdf
1
Page RCP Black & White flyer - pdf
Presenter
Proposal Form ('09
program is finalized)
RCP
Conference Staff Contacts for information
Update:
RCP '09 Facilitated Dialogue Group Notes
Advertize
and Display:
Advertize
in On-Site Conference Program
Exhibit
Table Space is Available
Registration
is
Open To The Public
Other Conferences by CBI:
Engaging
The Other Conference (ETO)
International
Conference on Conflict Resolution (ICR)
Cyprus
- Bridging The Divide
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