UW News

November 20, 2008

Panel of scholars looks at religion as promoter of human rights, peace

In a world where religion is often associated with negative images of war, violence and terrorism, a panel discussion on Religions as Promoters of Human Rights and Peace provides a different, refreshing lens. On Thursday, Dec. 4, three religious scholars — one Jewish, one Muslim and one Christian — explain the ways in which religions and associated texts may be used to promote peace and human rights throughout our world.


The scholars are Rabbi David Rosen, international director of interreligious affairs for the American Jewish Committee; Imam Yahya Hendi, Georgetown University, founder and secretary general of Clergy Beyond Borders and chair of Imams for Human Rights and Dialogue; and Professor James Perkinson, University of Oakland (Michigan).


The commentator and moderator for the discussion is UW Professor Gad Barzilai, chair of Jewish Studies. The commentator and moderator for the Q&A is UW Professor James Wellman, chair of Comparative Religion. The program begins at 6:30 p.m. in 220 Kane. It is free and open to the public.