The University鈥檚 ongoing Interfaith Dialogue Dinner Series, 鈥淐ommon and Diverse Ground: Raising Consciousnesses by Acknowledging the 鈥楬idden鈥� Things that Divide Us,鈥� is offering a virtual conversation roundtable for the Spring 2021 semester.
Participants will discuss the topic, 鈥淧resence and Pandemics: Reflections on Spiritual Care During Turbulent Times,鈥� exploring the vibrancy of presence in the midst of pain, harm and hope.
The Rev. Brian Konkol, dean of Hendricks Chapel, will moderate the conversation roundtable with chaplains and campus spiritual leaders on Tuesday, April 6 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on . This聽roundtable聽will explore聽a diversity of customs and questions聽while聽seeking聽to nourish the soul and ignite the spirit in the midst of our challenging circumstances.
Panelists will include Melvin Baker, Historically Black Church chaplain; Rhonda Chester, Methodist chaplain; JoAnn Cooke, Buddhist chaplain; Julia Cutler 鈥�21, SPIRAL (Student Pagan Information, Relations and Learning) president; Amir Duric, Muslim chaplain; Joel Goldstein, Jewish chaplain; and Regina Jones, assistant director in the Office of Multicultural Affairs, Native Student Program. Joe Zoll 鈥�22 will lead the opening and closing meditations.
Registration for this program is required, and is available directly on the聽. Those who would like or prefer alternative registration are invited to contact Hendricks Chapel at聽chapel@syr.edu聽or 315.443.2901.
All participants are welcome to bring their own meal to the 鈥渧irtual table鈥� during the conversation. Although this semester鈥檚 Interfaith Dialogue Dinner series will not permit the sharing of a traditionally provided, inclusive dinner, the virtual conversation will allow participants to break bread in company with one another, providing secular and spiritual nourishment.
The program is free and open to the public. Live captioning, American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and image descriptions will be provided. For requests for additional accommodations or questions, contact Hendricks Chapel at聽chapel@syr.edu聽or 315.443.2901.
Over the past five years, the 鈥淐ommon and Diverse Ground鈥� series has brought members of the campus community together in an inclusive environment to explore challenging contemporary issues. The Spring 2021 series is co-sponsored by Hendricks Chapel, the Burton Blatt Institute鈥檚 Office of Interdisciplinary Programs and Outreach and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
