North Park University to Host 'Women of Faith' Interfaith Dialogue Nov. 16

CHICAGO, Oct. 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Women in religious leadership roles will participate Nov. 16 in an interfaith dialogue at North Park University, Chicago. The program, "Interfaith Dialogue with Women Leaders: Christian, Muslims and Jews Making a Difference," will be held at the University's Anderson Chapel beginning at 7 p.m.

"It is very exciting and important to have the presence and voices of women faith leaders and scholars engaging in interfaith dialogue," said the Rev. Velda R. Love, director for justice and intercultural learning, North Park University Office of Diversity and Intercultural Programs. Love and Prof. Anis Said, lecturer in Arabic, are organizing the event.

"All of our speakers bring to this conversation a necessary framework of how women leaders, teachers, and advocates of social justice speak about the challenges and triumphs of women leading the way in bridging communities toward cooperation, peace, and empowerment," Love added.

Religious leaders who will participate in the dialogue are the Rev. Karen E. Mosby-Avery, pastor of pastoral care and administration at Second Baptist Church, Evanston, Ill.; Rabbi Andrea C. London, Beth Emet -- The Free Synagogue, Evanston, Ill.; and Dr. Marcia Hermansen, professor of theology and director, Islamic World Studies program, Theology Department, Loyola University, Chicago.

Rummana Hussain, Chicago Sun-Times criminal courts reporter, metro editor and occasional columnist, will serve as the dialogue moderator.

Panelists will engage each other in dialogue, answer questions from the audience and conclude with prayers from each religious tradition, Love said. As many as 300 people are expected to attend. The interfaith dialogue is part of the University's commitment to President Obama's Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge. North Park is one of nearly 250 participating colleges and universities which pledged to strengthen communities through service and uniting people across lines of faith through dialogue and understanding.

North Park University sponsors of the event are the Office of Diversity and Intercultural Programs, the Collaboratory for Urban and Intercultural Learning and the Middle Eastern Studies Initiatives.

More information about the dialogue is at http://www.northpark.edu/News/Current-News/North-Park-University-to-Host-Women-of-Faith-Interfaith-Dialogue-Nov-16 on the North Park University website.

CONTACT:  John R. Brooks of North Park University, +1-773-244-5522, [email protected]

SOURCE North Park University