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Interfaith Council

Minutes

12/05/07

Interfaith Council Meeting

Agenda

December 05, 2007

In attendance: Aira Shimura, Jake Dirnberger, Charlotte Hager, Jeffrey Lidke, Ellen Johnson, Amy Summerlin, Dale McConkey, David McKenzie, Anne Lewinson, Paul Wallace, Judy Thompson, Ruth Ference

Review of Programs and Classes.

The meeting began with an over view of the fall programs. It was agreed that all the programs were successful and well run with the highlight being the “Religious Resources for Peace in the Middle East” which was co-sponsored by the Evans Speaker Series and a drew a strong crowd at Evan Auditorium. Dr. Lidke pointed out that the program on “Medicine and Magic in Miami: Afro-Cuban Healing and Revenge Sorcery in Suburban South Florida” was standing room only. In all there were 6 cultural events Interfaith sponsored and run programs, drawing in an estimated 350-400 students. Although not heavily attended, Jacqueline Westhead’s program on Personal Expression in Prayer had a strongly positive impact on the 12 students who participated. He suggested that it was an excellent integration of the heads-heart-hand model. In addition, the IFC offered three on-going classes in Tai Chi, Meditation, and Chanting.

Student Association for an Inter-religious Community

Dr. Lidke next invited attending members of SAIC to discuss their group’s activities. Charlotte discussed that she, and Aira and Jake had been holding weekly meetings in Evans on Thursdays at 5:30 to discuss a variety of topics, ranging from spiritual practice to human rights and gender. Attendance had varied, she explained. While there is a committed core, she is concerned that the leader is graduating and that new younger voices need to step to the front.

Spring Programming

Next, the discussion turned to programming for the spring. Charlotte Hager agreed to do a program based on her experience of attending a peace conference in Atlanta with the Dalai Lama. Dr. Lidke asked her what kind of format she would like to use for the program and they discussed the possibility of using a multi-media format combined with discussion and Q & A. Charlotte also pointed out that SAIC had received funding to host an evening of Indian Classical Dance. The event, she explained, would not just be performance, but would also include an introduction into the mythology and spirituality of the tradition. Dr. Lewinson suggested a series on “interpreting the Scriptures” with representatives of different traditions speaking on the nature and techniques of exegesis in their respective traditions. The Council liked the idea but wasn’t sure if it should be started in the spring or next fall. The conversation then turned to the idea of an Ecology and Religion program co-sponsored by the student group SAVE centered around Earth Day. Dr. Lidke pointed out that Amy Summerlin had suggested Kathy Hinman who is a well-known voice for Christian environmentalism in an interfaith context. Dale McConkey strongly supported this idea and details were discussed with the understanding that Amy would make contact with Ms. Hinman and coordinate the program with SAVE, IFC, and the Chaplain’s office. Dr. Lidke also mentioned that Steve and Linda Bell were still planning to give their talk on their trip to Israel and that this would make an excellent follow up to the program on Religious Tolerance in the Middle East. Additionally, Dr. Lidke had scheduled a photo exhibit and lecture on India for February.

At 5 p.m. the meeting was adjourned.