Forum Explores Religion in Civil Society
The 10th Annual Patuxent Defense Forum, Religion in Civil Society: The Impact of Religious Movements on International Relations, is set for June 4 at St. Mary’s College of Maryland in Cole Cinema from 8:15 am to 5 pm.
This year’s focus is on religious activism and the extent to which religious engagement is integrated into US foreign policy.
Recent developments around the world underscore the importance of addressing religious diversity and developing policies that support civil society. Whether it is discord between Sunni and Shia in the Middle East, Christians and Muslims in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, or Palestinian, Jewish and other religious extremists in more secular Western states, this forum will help us better understand the history of these tensions, the impact of U.S. foreign policy approaches to religious diversity, and the role that intergovernmental organizations can play in promoting religious tolerance as a constructive value in building civil societies.
Discussion of these issues is particularly fitting at St. Mary’s City, the site of Maryland’s first capital, settled by Catholics. Considering this legacy, the forum will contemplate precedents and current policies
The forum is jointly presented by The Patuxent Partnership and The Center for the Study of Democracy, St. Mary’s College of Maryland.
Opening Remarks: Chris Seiple, Ph.D., President of the Institute for Global Engagement and Senior Fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute in Philadelphia; former U.S. Marine Infantry Officer
PANEL I: Faith-Based Groups and Religious Tensions Around the World
Chair: Ajay Singh Chaudhary, Founding Director of the Brooklyn Institute for Social Research and Core Lecturer at the Columbia University
PANEL II: Religious Activism: Challenges Facing the United States
Chair: Maryann Cusimano Love, Ph.D., The Catholic University of America
Panel III: International Responses to Religious Conflicts
Chair: J. Mark Brinkmoeller, Director of the Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, USAID
Dinner Speaker: Henry Miller, Ph.D. and Maryland Heritage Scholar, “Discovering Maryland’s Lost City and the Genesis of Religious Freedom in America”
Cost is $80 per person for members of The Patuxent Partnership, $95 for non-members. Meals are included. Registration fee must be received by noon June 2. Register by credit card on the TPP site or by mail with a check delivered or mailed to The Patuxent Partnership, 22335 Exploration Drive, Suite 1035, Lexington Park, MD 20653.
For information, please e-mail Cyndi Deppe by June 2.
This forum qualifies as a continuous learning event and may count toward DAWIA Continuous Learning requirement through RegisterNow, the DAWIA Registration System.
