(March 16, 2015)

Interreligious dialogue to emphasize mutual understanding

SHREVEPORT, LA — Centenary's Religious Studies Honor Society will host an interreligious dialogue Monday, March 23, at 7 p.m. in the Whited Room. The event is free and open to the public.

Kellan Klaus
Religious Studies Honor Society President Kellan Klaus '15

"This dialogue will address and explore aspects of religion and religion's interaction with society that cultivate and perpetuate an ignorance of the religious 'other,' in a hope to diminish a culture of ignorance," said honor society president Kellan Klaus '15. "We hope that the dialogue will explore tensions between religions and religion and society, but we also hope it will foster a mutual understanding of each other to serve as an example of healthy conflict negotiation and cultivation of knowledge about other religions."

Several leaders of religious communities such as Paganism, Egyptian Paganism, Reformed Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Followers of Jesus of Nazareth, and Methodism will participate in the panel.

According to Klaus, the emphasis of the conversational dialogue will be to reach a mutual understanding to eradicate fear and misunderstanding, rather than simply to impart knowledge about another religion. Religious leaders will share a brief description about their religious tradition before moving on to the topics of conversation.

This will be the first interreligious dialogue hosted by the honor society.

"I think (the Religious Studies Honor Society) all recognized the need for more understanding and interaction between people of different religions, and the need for examples of how to do so peacefully," said Klaus. "I think that is why it is important for our group."

The Religious Studies Honor Society is advised by Assistant Professor of Religious Studies Dr. Spencer Dew. For more information about the event, email Klaus at kklaus2@my.centenary.edu.