Common Bond Institute

4th Annual International Conference on
Religion, Conflict, and Peace:
Walking The Talk To Compassion And Harmony

March 23-25, 2012 ~ Dearborn, Michigan USA

Site: Henry Ford Community College

A Multi-disciplinary, Multi-cultural Conference

Sponsored by:
Common Bond Institute (CBI),
Co-Sponsored by:
Henry Ford Community College, Parashakthi Temple,
International Humanistic Psychology Association (IHPA),

Supported by the: Council of Islamic Organizations of Michigan
Endorsed by over 100 universities and organizations internationally

Official Partner and Event of
Charter For Compassion & Parliament of World's Religions

~ Call For Proposals ~

Registration is Open to All

2012 Overview, & Schedule
PREVIOUS 2011 RCP Full Program (2012 to be posted)
PREVIOUS 2011 Presenter Biographicals (2012 to be posted)
The Charter For Compassion
Declaration of the Council of Religious Leaders of Israel

An international forum promoting Inter-religious and
Intra-religious dialogue to explore the challenges of Social Paranoia, 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 supposedly fundamental divides. A current example in American society is the recent experience of Islam and the Muslim community. However the dynamics, struggles, and threat are universal for all religious communities exposed to these ills.

In addition, dichotomies and conflicts within spiritual traditions themselves, including extremist interpretations and interpolations of religious tenets and practice by uninformed or purposely manipulating individuals and groups, are also historical and present day dilemmas for many religions.

Understanding how these elements and conditions arise, how they compromise, contradict, and even threaten original spiritual intent, and how they wound relationships between and within religious communities, is essential to learning practical 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, and more recent specific manifestations playing out around us in society today.

"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 other's story to share the humanity and trustworthiness that resides in each of us." ... Steve Olweean

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,

and
The power of personal engagement through dialogue and practical applications in advancing a shared consciousness of peace in our communities - and in doing so promoting the religious experience as a healing remedy rather than problem.

~ Donate to our Subsidy Fund ~
to help students and participants from developing communities attend
by making a Tax Deductible Donation
through our partner organization:
International Humanistic Psychology Association (IHPA)

Format and Content

An outstanding, international, and diverse gathering of presenters for a 3-Day Itinerary of keynotes, topical panels, workshops, facilitated dialogue groups, exhibits, social/cultural events, multicultural community, rich networking, and collaborative action planning.

In addition to on-site presenters, key individuals and groups from other countries will be simultaneously Skyped into the conference for live, real-time, 2-way participation during plenary sessions.

By design, the RCP Conference is fundamentally oriented toward direct engagement by participants, with prepared presentations (workshops, topical panels, and keynotes) providing specific learning and stimulus for processing in facilitated dialogue groups woven throughout each day. We utilize the conference for this purpose by creating a common ground that honors diverse perspectives, authentic dialogue, and earnest deliberation where not only the general public can directly engage and learn, but where key stakeholders themselves can personally connect and explore ways to cooperate in sharing and supporting each others efforts for a larger, common good.

The program is designed to address differences; challenge stereotypes and blind spots; increase appreciation for diversity; discover commonality; and develop practical applications for expanding this experience out into our communities to improve relations, locally and globally.

Guidelines For Compassionate Dialogue

The RCP Conference strives to promote an inclusive, compassionate dialogue that honors different personal experiences, perspectives, and narratives, 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 venue where we can engage meaningfully and invite in a public dialogue that brings our joint wisdom to bear in exploring sometimes difficult issues that effect us all. This is based on the premise that it does not require that we be the same to be appreciate 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.
We ask all participants to assist us by carrying and expressing this intent throughout the conference.

4th Annual International Conference on
Religion, Conflict, and Peace
March 23-25, 2012
Dearborn, Michigan, USA
Site: Henry Ford Community College
Registration Open To All