26 May 2005
Representatives of the Jewish, Christian and Muslim faiths will attend an international inter-religion conference hosted by Monash University this weekend. The conference will discuss the legacy of Abraham and how people of different religious backgrounds can work together in the face of religious stereotyping, particularly on issues of health and wellbeing.
The keynote speaker at the Fourth International Abraham Conference will be distinguished Islamic scholar Professor Zeki Saritoprak, the Nursi Chair in Islamic Studies at John Carroll University, US.
Professor Saritoprak will deliver the Abraham lecture at
7.45pm this Saturday 28 May, at the Victorian College of Pharmacy, Parkville, on the theme: Beyond Dialogue to Cooperation and Social Action.
Dr Saritoprak holds a doctorate in Islamic Theology from the University of Marmara, Turkey, and is an authority on Islamic mysticism and contemporary Islamic movements, as well as a keen advocate of dialogue between religions.
The director of Monash's Centre for Studies in Religion and Theology, Associate Professor Constant Mews, said Professor Saritoprak's visit was of particular relevance given the current debate about media stereotyping of religions and the complexity of Australia 's relationship with Muslim nations such as Indonesia and Malaysia.
The conference theme on Sunday 29 May is: 'The Legacy of Abraham: Health for Body and Soul'.
Panel sessions on Sunday will cover physical health in a multi-religious society, ageing and palliative care, meditation and mental health, and values in a consumer society. Speakers include distinguished health professionals and psychologists from Jewish, Christian and Muslim traditions, such as Mr Raphael Aron (The Jewish Family Centre) and Associate Professor David Fonda (Cabrini Hospital ).
What: 4th International Abraham Conference.
When: Saturday, 28 May, from 7.30pm to 9.45pm, and Sunday 29 May, 9am - 4pm
Where: Victorian College of Pharmacy, Monash University , 381 Royal Parade, Parkville
For conference information visit: www.intercultural.org.au . Telephone (03) 9326 2177
For information on the visit of Professor Zeki Saritoprak, contact Mr Orhan Cicek, Australian Intercultural Society on mobile 0409 879 817.
For other details, contact Associate Professor Constant Mews on (03) 9905 2185 or Karen Stichtenoth, Media Communications on (03) 9905 1253.
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