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 supposedly
fundamental
divides. Although the dynamics and struggles are universal
for all religious communities exposed to these ills, a more recent,
telling example in American society 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, 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 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 the current example of Islamophobia
and it's impact on 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.
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.
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.
2nd
International Conference on
Religion, Conflict,
and Peace June
11-13, 2010
Dearborn,
Michigan, USA
Registration Open To The
Public
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FROM
OUR RCP ARCHIVES: '09
Program, Proceedings, & Outcomes
Join
us as we explore: 
