Exploring challenging topics from different religious views. Join us for this virtual round-table discussion.
A Virtual Multi-Faith Roundtable Discussion
in collaboration with LOYOLA MARYMOUNT UNIVERSITY Department of Theological Studies.
Join us for keynote presentations followed by a roundtable discussion from different religious perspectives on two challenging topics facing our society today:
How do we engage in conversation that deals with hard and often divisive topics in a manner that is respectful, constructive, and promotes a deep understanding of each other’s worldview?
How can we re-imagine identity issues that can be more inclusive?
Our World is in Pain and Divided.
We need to learn how to navigate multi-faith solutions and peace-building work. But what are the essentials? How can we help communities to avoid using religion as a weapon? How do we invite our communities to engage? How do we navigate key issues like the pandemic, racism, gender inequity, displaced peoples, among others, and engage in conversation that deals with hard and often divisive topics in a manner that is respectful, constructive, and promotes a deep understanding of each other’s world view? What can our religious traditions do to help us promote unity? How can we re-imagine identity issues that can be more inclusive?
Event Format and Speakers
The event will feature several keynote speakers, paired with a panel of respondents, interspersed with several short films.
Speakers and exact agenda to be announced soon.
This online event will be in preparation for a Multi-Faith Summit to be held this Fall on campus at Loyola Marymount University.
Keynote Presentations
Dr. SimonMary Asese Aihiokhai will be speaking on “How can we re-imagine identity issues that can be more inclusive?"
Born in Nigeria, Dr. Aihiokhai obtained his Ph.D. in systematic theology from Duquesne University in 2013. A published author of several books, Dr. Aihiokhai is currently an associate professor of systematic theology at the University of Portland where he is the coordinator of the University’s Theology Thursday Lecture Series.
Respondent Panelists:
Dr. Kim R. Harris -- Assistant Professor of African American Thought and Practice in the Theological Studies Department of Loyola Marymount University.
Prof. Marji Karish -- Adjunct Professor and doctoral candidate at the University of Denver with a focus on conscious organizational communication.
Mr. Keith Salvas -- Born Again Christian from the Ventura County Interfaith Community and amateur astronomer with the Ventura County Astronomical Society.
Dr. Thang Nguyen Dinh -- Internationally Recognized Human Rights Activist, Executive Director of BPSOS.
Mr. Justin Hager J.D. -- National award-winning LGBTQ+ and social justice activist, Founder of Communicate Justice.
Mr. Aziz Nathoo will be speaking on “How do we engage in conversation that deals with hard and often divisive topics in a manner that is respectful, constructive, and promotes a deep understanding of each other’s worldview?”
Sheikh Aziz Nathoo is a Muslim Interfaith teacher and preacher hailing from East Africa. He works in dialogue, justice, and compassion with the UN, Poor Peoples Campaign, Aga Khan Foundation, Dialogue Institute, Chairs the Faith dialogue seat at the Montgomery Multi-Faith Coalition, and as the president of UMMA Charities.
Respondent Panelists:
Ms. Sharon Angel -- Author, TV Show Host, Entrepreneur, Humanitarian and Motivational Speaker.
Ms. Bari Berger -- President of STAND League, Scientologists Taking Action Against Discrimination, a nonprofit that fights antireligious hate for members of every faith.
Rabbi Arthur Gross Schaefer -- Professor of Business Law, Ethics, and Sustainability at LMU; a Senior Fellow with the Institute of Faith-Based Diplomacy.
Dr. Nirinjan Khalsa-Baker -- Senior Instructor of Theological Studies, and Clinical Professor Jain and Sikh Studies at Loyola Marymount University.
Dr. Mary Shuttleworth -- Internationally recognized Human Rights Activist, President Youth for Human Rights International
Event Mission
The mission of this event and the subsequent Multi-Faith Summit is to promote multi-faith collaboration to advance thriving pluralistic communities worldwide through practical solutions and tools while guiding the intent of a very diverse interfaith movement already underway.
Event Design and Production Team
This event is a multi-faith discussion designed and produced by a diverse multi-faith team.
It is sponsored by the Institute for Religious Tolerance, Peace and Justice, in partnership with BPSOS; Empower Women Media; Spirit, Earth, Action: The Center for Spirituality at Ontario (SEA); A North Production; Church of Scientology of Los Angeles; and in collaboration with Loyola Marymount University Department of Theological Studies.
