Religion & Violence: Untangling the Roots of Conflict
An Interfaith Dialogue

While people of faith raise prayers for peace, stories of religiously fueled violence fill the news. Critics question whether the world can afford to tolerate a force as destructive as religion. Is violence an inescapable result of religious commitment, or is it a distortion, a human projection on a God in whom there is no violence? Is it the sole province of extremists, or do the roots of conflict touch all persons of faith?

Do solutions to these seemingly intractable problems lie within the traditions themselves? Through keynote presentations and small group theological reflection, this interfaith gathering will provide opportunities to deepen understanding, build community, and explore how religion can be a powerful force for peace within ourselves, our families, our communities, and the world. The conference will begin on the day we honor Martin Luther King, Jr., to ask how we can take up his legacy of faithful nonviolence in our time.

Our distinguished keynote speakers and preacher are skilled theologians who are also prominent public intellectuals -- Christian, Jewish, and Muslim. They will:

• Explore how all three traditions become entangled with violence
• Illuminate the resources within the traditions for living together in peace, without losing our unique identities

Click on any photo for a full biography.

Religion & Violence: Untangling the Roots of Conflict will be held at Trinity Church in New York City. You may attend in New York or participate via webcast at one of our partner site throughout the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Both onsite and offsite forums will include the keynote speakers, panel discussions, and facilitated reflection groups. The conference presentations will also be telecast live online and available on demand following the conference.