Convocation: “The Contested Terrain of Religion in Public Life” Presenter: Kevin D. Dougherty, PH.D. Assistant Professor of Sociology, Baylor University From classrooms to court to Congress, the place of religion in public life seems hotly contested. Yet, at issue for most Americans is how religion fits into public life, not whether it does. New research on American beliefs and values offers a new look at past debates.

Held at Goddard Auditorium, Carpenter Hall on the campus of Earlham College. Free admission, no tickets required. For more information, call (765)983-1373.

Convocation: “Peace Corps and the 21st Century: How Expanding Peace Corps can Help Restore U.S. Standing in the World” Presenter: Kevin Quigley Ph.D., President/CEO National Peace Corps Association Discontent with the United States and its foreign policies has intensified during the last five years. These negative perceptions impede efforts to address important global challenges. The next President will have to address this. Quigley, argues that a significant expansion of Peace Corps should be part of this response.

To be held at Goddard Auditorium, Carpenter Hall on the campus of Earlham College. Free admission, no tickets required. For more information, call (765) 983-1373.

Presenter: John Paul Lederach Presenter: Dr. John Paul Lederach, Professor of International Peacebuilding, University of Notre Dame, Distinguished Scholar and founding director of Conflict Transformation Program, Eastern Mennonite University Lederach has done extensive work in conflict transformation around the globe and has written widely on conflict resolution and mediation. Sponsored by Carter Peace Lecture Fund, bringing noted scholars and speakers to speak on issues of peace and non-violent action.

Held in Loose Lecture Hall, Landrum Bolling Center on the campus of Earlham College. Free and open to the public. For more information, call (765)983-1211.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Commission presents Dr. Charles Robinson,
Director of African American Studies, University of Arkansas, speaking about "Education: Is it a Right? Who is Responsible?". The event will be held at the Holiday Inn and Conference Center, 5501 National Road East and costs $10/person. For more information, call (765) 973-8534.

Noah and Natalie Baker Merrill, who just returned from a 4-month visit living and working among Iraqi refugees in Syria and Jordan, are traveling to cities across the country offering first-hand observations of the crisis. The couple will also discuss ways the U.S. could become "honest brokers for reconciliation," including setting a concrete timeline for the removal of all U.S. troops, bases and mercenaries from Iraq, allowing the country to begin the long work of building a peaceful future. Natalie and Noah are participating in the American Friends Service Committee Iraq speakers bureau.

The Iraqi Refugee Crisis and Why It Matters
A presentation by Noah and Natalie Baker Merrill
Date: Thursday, November 8, 2007
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Loose Lecture Hall, Landrum Bolling Center 105, on the campus of Earlham College

This event is sponsored by the Newlin Center for Quaker Thought and Practice.

Join us for this free program at the Peace Forum held in the dining room at the Earlham School of Religion on Thursday, November 15th from 12:00 PM to 1:10 PM.

Chris Hardie will talk about how Peak Oil, climate change and the meltdown of the U.S. dollar open up new opportunities for strong, self-reliant local communities to build their own sustainable future. We'll talk about existing projects and movements in Richmond ready to support you and be supported, and new ideas for how to "re-localize" the area.

A lecture by Jonathan Kozol, Award-Winning Author on Education and Urban Issues In 1967, at the height of the civil rights movement, Kozol lost his teaching position for reading a Langston Hughes poem to his class of fourth graders. The event resulted in the publishing of the first of his several acclaimed and highly influential books, Death at an Early Age, which catapulted the state of America’s schools into the national and political consciousness. His solid, qualitative research and expertise on education in America has made him a definitive voice on the subject.  continue reading »

This week's Peace Forum will be given by Jennie Dove-Isbell, ESR student, on the topic of Permaculture. Permaculture is a design system which aims to create sustainable habitats by following nature's patterns. Jennie participated in a workshop on the topic this summer and is doing research to connect the permaculture perspective to Quaker thought. When: Thurs., Oct. 19, 12 - 1:10 p.m. Where: Seminary dining room. Lunch is provided.

Building Majority-Minority America: Who Will Take Responsibility, presented by Dr. Michael L. Lomax. Goddard Auditorium, Carpenter Hall, Earlham College. Doors open at 7 PM. Free admission. For more information, call (765) 983-1373.

As president and chief executive officer of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), Dr. Michael L. Lomax heads the nation's largest and most successful minority  continue reading »

Bethany Theological Seminary's Huston Peace Lecture Series will take place Oct. 19-20. Robert Johansen, senior fellow and professor of political science at the University of Notre Dame, will be the guest lecturer.

On Thursday at 7 p.m., Johansen will speak on "The Politics of Love, War, and Peace: Understanding Moral Responsibility." The title of the Friday lecture, at 11:20 a.m., is "The Promise of the Rule of Law in Global Society: Accepting International Moral Responsibility."  continue reading »