Symposium at Yale Explores Role of Religion in Public Affairs

A discussion on the role of religion in public life with three leading experts will take place at Yale’s Battell Chapel, corner of Elm and College streets, on October 25, 7:45 p.m.

Titled “The Role of Religion in Public Affairs,” the two-hour discussion is sponsored by the Department of Political Science at Yale. The event is free and open to the public.

The panelists are John Danforth, former senator from Missouri and ambassador to the United Nations, who is also an Episcopal priest; Joseph Cumming, director of the Reconciliation Program at Yale Divinity School, which works to promote reconciliation between Muslims and Christians, and between Muslim nations and the West; and Sister Aischa al-Adawiya, the founder and executive director of Women in Islam Inc., a non-governmental organization representing Muslim women in United Nations forums.

Each panelist will make an opening statement covering personal convictions and overarching views regarding religion in public life. Questions from invited members of the religious community at Yale will be followed by questions from the general audience. Discussions will end at 10 p.m.

This symposium has been organized by Stanley Flink for the Department of Political Science as an extension of his seminar “Ethics and the Media.” Previous subjects covered in this series include terrorism, corporate corruption and the media’s coverage of elections.

In the symposium on religion, al-Adawiya will discuss the problems of Muslims in American life, including questions that arise regarding Islamic law, Shariah, vs. civil and criminal law; terrorism; and the personal story of her conversion.

Cumming will speak about his involvement in multi-faith dialogue between religious leaders not involved with secular political issues.

Sen. Danforth will examine religion and modern politics. His new book, “Faith and Politics,” deals with such issues as stem cell research, gay marriage and abortion.

For further information, contact Stanley Flink by phone at 203-776-1324 or by e-mail via Beth Lauer at elisabeth.lauer@yale.edu.