Exploring Perspectives: Inter-faith Dialogues

Dates, Times, Locations:

Wednesday, February 7, 2007 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. 210 Student Union

Wednesday, March 7, 2007 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. in the 210 Student Union

Wednesday, April 4, 2007 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. in the 210 Student Union

Mission & Goals:

Exploring Perspectives is an innovative program whose mission is to establish a better understanding of a variety of religious viewpoints from around the world. This program is intended to increase acceptance of all groups and aid in extinguishing stereotypes of these groups throughout the University at Buffalo.

The goal is not to preach, but in fact to inform. Each religious representative will present basic insight into their respective religion on the designated topic for that month. After the presentations, the program will then break for an intermission in which audience members will be encouraged to submit questions. Following intermission, there will be an open discussion based on questions chosen from the audience. Discussions are intended to be based on philosophical premises and ideals. We are providing a forum where a discussion is taking place on a level that is not intimidating, while at the same time providing an environment with various degrees of perspective.

We feel that this novel program would be extremely beneficial in promoting a diverse atmosphere as well as greater understanding of various world religions

Series Topics:

February: "Why am I a ______ (Jew, Christian, Muslim, Unitarian, Humanist, etc.)"?

March: "A Day in the life of a ______ (Jew, Christian, Muslim, Unitarian, Humanist, etc.)".

April: "What is deity to a _______ (Jew, Christian, Muslim, Unitarian, Humanist, etc.)"?

Speakers

February, 2007 Session:

FaithSpeaker
Christianity (Evangelical)David Larson
Christianity (Orthodox)Father Peter Jackson
JudaismRabbi Avrohom Gurary
IslamDr. Othman Shibly
Islam (Ahmadiya)To Be Decided...
HinduismDr. Arup Bhattacharya
HumanismTom Flynn

March, 2007 Session:

FaithSpeaker
ChristianityFather Pat Keleher
JudaismRabbi Avrohom Gurary
IslamDr. Othman Shibly
BuddhismDr. Jeanette Ludwig
UnitarianJean Ott
QuakerTo be determined...
HumanismJeff Ingersoll

April, 2007 Session:

FaithSpeaker
ChristianityStuart Bisch
JudaismTo Be Decided...
IslamDr. Othman Shibly
Islam (Ahmadiya)To Be Decided...
HinduismDr. Arup Bhattacharya
HumanismNorm Allen

Exploring Perspectives is sponsored by:

Campus Ministries Association (CMA)
UB Diversity Committee
Residence Hall Association (RHA)
Student Association (SA)

For further information contact:

Campus Ministries Association (CMA) Executive Board:
ub-cma@buffalo.edu
(716) 645-2998

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I get involved?
The Exploring Perspectives series is open to all UB students, faculty, staff and members of the university community. Anyone may feel free to attend. You may also feel free to take brochures and flyers provided by the various speakers and their ministries.
Where should I park?
North Campus Map: http://www.buffalo.edu/buildings/maps/NorthCampus.pdf
Magnified North Campus Map: http://www.buffalo.edu/buildings/maps/Spine.pdf
When should I arrive?
We will strive to begin the session promptly; therefore attendants are encouraged to arrive 10 minutes prior to the event.
What should I bring?
It is recommended attendants bring some paper for notes if they wish, along with a pen or pencil.