The Department of Religious Studies warmly invites the university community to its annual interfaith panel which will be held on November 7, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. This year’s panel features five panelists from three religious traditions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The theme is the ethical imperative of “saving life,” central to all three traditions, as applied to the conflict continuing in Gaza and elsewhere in the region. The panelists will respond to questions around violence and war from within their respective traditions, and within the context of the body of international law and human rights.
For example, what do these three traditions—all of which are involved in the conflict in one way or another—have to say to the violence and hatred that is breeding flagrant disregard for human life? How does the ethic of saving life intersect with international human rights law and international conventions, which define what is permissible and what is forbidden in human conflicts? What can be done when, contrary to such laws and conventions, harm and killing are intentionally employed? Does the ethic of saving life go further than these laws? Can religion be mobilized to hold the actors to account and offer a path forward towards a much-needed justice, peace, and reconciliation?
Panelists:
Judaism: Dr. Eva Mroczek, Dalhousie University
Christianity: Rev. Steve Berube, St. Paul’s United Church, Moncton, NB;
and Dr. Darlene O’Leary, Social Justice Coordinator, Martha Justice Ministry
Islam: Imam Abdullah Yousri, CEO of the Ummah Society, Halifax
Peace and Conflict Studies: Digafie Debalke, Coady International Institute, StFX
Date and Time: November 7, 7:00 p.m.
Place: SCHW215
Refreshments will be served.
Everyone is welcome.
