Seattle University’s School of Theology and Ministry (STM) invites UUs from around the Pacific Northwest to participate in an ecumenical and interreligious initiative, “Faith and Values in the Public Square.”
The initiative offers a blog for ongoing conversation, which complements a two-part lecture series on November 2, 2012, and January 11, 2013. Both blog and lecture series are intended to promote openness to an engagement with neighbors of all religious traditions, which the University believes is a distinguishing characteristic of both its School of Theology and Ministry and the Pacific Northwest.
On Friday, November 2, 7-8:30 PM, Dr. Joanna Brooks and Dr. Matthew Bowman will speak on “Mormonism in the Election Spotlight.” Tickets are free, but are required for admission (available through Brown Paper Tickets).
News correspondent Ray Suarez will speak on Friday, January 11, on “The Holy Vote: The Politics of Faith in America.” Again, free tickets are required and may be obtained through Brown Paper Tickets.
The blog convenes and invites conversation from various faith perspectives, alongside writers from throughout the region, nation and the world. The blog includes a weekly highlight on a timely topic, either focused on unfolding news or ongoing issues of interest – such as religion and human rights, the upcoming election, and the religious voices addressing immigration in the U.S.
UUs are encouraged to add comments and reflections to the blog, which includes an October entry from Lisa Ashley, a UU student at STM. Lisa writes about her experience serving incarcerated teens as part of an interreligious collaboration. There are Writing Guidelines for contributors that explain how to submit an entry for posting.
A Faith & Values In the Public Square Facebook Page offers yet another avenue to converse with those of many faiths.