Inter-faith Dialogue: "Religion and violence: seeing it as it is" (English only)

Among the many consequences 9/11 has left behind, renewed religious mistrust and violence might prove the most costly. As religion influences history in many ways - not least by shaping decision-makers' worldviews - the collision between different religious worldviews has certainly contributed to further violence and war. But, do religions have any basis on which violence can be justified? Does any religious scripture authorize, promote or incentivise violence? If so, on which basis, and under which circumstances?

The Hong Kong representatives of three monotheist religions come together in this event to discuss their religions' common grounds and differences in relation to violence.

Date: September 15, 2011 (Thur)
Time: 1900 - 2100
Venue: Rayson Huang Theatre, HKU
Language: English

Opening remarks by: Professor S. P. CHOW
(Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President, The University of Hong Kong)

Moderator: Venerable SIK Hin Hung (Centre of Buddhist Studies, HKU)

Guest Speakers:
Imam Muhammad ARSHAD (Kowloon Mosque and Islamic Centre)
Reverend Will NEWMAN (St. John's Cathedral)
Rabbi Asher OSER (Ohel Leah Synagogue)

Panellists:
Ms. Uzma ASHRAF (Asian Institute of International Financial Law, Department of Law, HKU)
Mr. Simone RAUDINO (European Studies Programme, School of Modern Languages and Cultures, HKU)
Dr. C Roland VOG (European Studies Programme, School of Modern Languages and Cultures, HKU)

For media enquiries, please contact Ms. May Kwok, Centre of Buddhist Studies, HKU (Email: cbsinfo@hku.hk  / Tel: 2241 5078).

Event Co-organisers:
Centre of Buddhist Studies, HKU
School of Modern Languages and Cultures, HKU
Department of Law, HKU

Event Sponsor: Tung Lin Kok Yuen