Interfaith event to explore religions hindering societal progress

The potential for religions to hinder the progress of societies across the world will be the topic of discussion during the Kaufman Interfaith Institute’s Triennial Jewish-Christian-Muslim Dialogue conference.

The event will take place October 29 from 8:30 a.m.-9 p.m. on the 2nd floor of the L.V. Eberhard Center on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus.

P. Douglas Kindschi, Kaufman Interfaith Institute director, said this year’s theme is “To Repair the World: How Does Religion Help or Hinder.”

“Our world is not perfect and you could say it is broken,” Kindschi said. “As faith communities, we have the responsibility to respond to these problems and yet sometimes the religions contribute to the brokenness of the world. How can we help in this effort and how can we be aware of ways in which religions actually get in the way?”

The day-long program’s presenters include Rabbi Donniel Hartman, president of the Shalom Hartman Institute and director of iEngage Project; Cynthia Campbell, president emerita of McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago; and Ingrid Mattson, London and Windsor chair of Islamic studies at Huron University College at the University of Western Ontario.

After facilitating individual presentations and group discussions throughout the day, Hartman, Campbell and Mattson will present “Passages from Our Traditions” from 7-9 p.m.

The Triennial Dialogue is free and open to the public, however registration is requested. For more information and to register, visit the Kaufman Interfaith Institute website.

The Kaufman Interfaith Institute, in conjunction with the West Michigan Hindu Temple, will also be hosting an Interfaith Diwali Celebration October 30 from 6-9 p.m. at Fountain Street Church (24 Fountain St. NE) in Grand Rapids. This free and open-to-the-public celebration will feature special cultural dishes, music and dancing. To reserve a seat, call Fountain Street Church at (616) 459-8386.