Religions and Social Innovation
An International Conference at the University of St. Michael’s College, Toronto, Canada
27-29 October 2013
An undeniable aspect of human nature is our desire for change. In this conference we intend to highlight the various ways that religious traditions and religiously-inspired movements have served and continue to serve as forces for social innovation. A common received narrative, particularly in the West, is that religions typically represent forces for conservatism in politics and civic society. Yet, in an increasingly globalized world, religious persons and movements have responded in creative ways to the challenges of various pluralist and secularist social orders. They have also inspired new political, economic or social initiatives from within their own religious frameworks. This three-day, international conference explores some of these initiatives and a range of distinctively religious expressions of innovation.
Conference Website: http://conference.interculturaldialog.com/
Conference Registration: http://www.multifaith.utoronto.ca/Events-And-Programs/Religions-and-Social-Innovation-Conference-Oct-27.htm
This event is co-sponsored by the University of St. Michael’s College, the Intercultural Dialogue Institute, the Focolare Movement, and the University of Toronto Multi-Faith Centre, and the University of Toronto Centre for Community Partnerships.
The University of St Michael’s College gratefully acknowledges the support from the Richard Alway Endowment Fund.
Two workshops in particular that would interest Catholic Teachers:
Monday, October 28
4:00pm-5:45pm PLENARY PANEL (Fr Madden Hall, Carr Hall)
Voices of Young Adults in Religious Movements and Social Transformation
Moderator:
Muaz Nasir, Civic Muslims (Canada)
Panelists:
Shari Golberg, Shema and Iqra’: the Jewish-Muslim Text Project (Canada)
Mitchell Anderson, Inspirit Foundation (Canada)
Donata Ling & Adrian Wong – Focolare and Youth for a United World Movement (Canada)
6:00pm-7:00pm SPECIAL SESSION FOR TEACHERS (Fr. Madden Hall, Carr Hall)
Resources for Religion and Social Innovation