The HJ International Graduate School for Peace and Public Leadership convened its 3rd International Conference, at the New Yorker Hotel from August 1-3, on “Addressing Root Causes to Contemporary Threats to Religious Freedom.” The conference brought together approximately twenty scholars—both Unificationists and non-Unificationists—to discuss and reflect on this critical issue. The research and insights shared by the participants will be compiled into a forthcoming publication.
Participating from HJI were Thomas Walsh, President; Michael Mickler, Distinguished Professor of Historical Studies; and Thomas Ward, Professor, Peace and Development. In addition the participants included Eileen Barker, Professor Emeritus of Sociology, London School of Economic; Nicole Bauer, Professor of Religion, University of Graz, Austria; Patricia Duval, Attorney; James Edgerly, Founder, Higher Purpose Forum; Franco Famularo, President, Universal Peace Federation, Canada; Willie Fautre, Founder, Human Rights Without Frontiers; Jan Figel, President, Forum for Religious Freedom, Europe; Holly Folk, Professor of Religion, Western Washington University; Daniel Fromson, Staff Editor, The New York Times Magazine; Massimo Introvigne, Visiting Professor, University of Turin; Michael Jenkins, President, Universal Peace Federation, USA; Hirohisa Koide, Special Advisor, FFWPU Japan; Jacques Marion, President, Universal Peace Federation, Europe and the Middle East; Rebecca Moore, Professor Emerita of Religious Studies, San Diego State University; Hans Noot, Deputy Director, Human Rights Without Frontiers; Marco Respinti, Director in Charge, Bitter Winter; Aaron Rhodes, Former Director, International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights (1993-2007); Peter Ross, Esq., Attorney; Richard Swett, Former US Ambassador to Denmark and Former Member of the US House of Representatives (D-NH); and Shunsuke Uotani, Secretary General, Universal Peace Federation Japan.
While religious freedom is enshrined in many constitutions, mentioned in the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and affirmed in the UN Charter, religion remains under threat in countries across the world. Recently, the FFWPU of Japan is facing dissolution; numerous religions, particularly minority religions, suffer discrimination in countries across the world. Suffice to say there are many governments and many non-state actors who do not respect the principle of freedom of religion or belief.
The HJI International Conference Series on Peace and Public Leadership is dedicated to exploring topics related to religion, peace and public leadership, including issues such as religious freedom and ecumenical and interfaith relations. Since the founding of HJI in 1975, then known as Unification Theological Seminary, there have been many occasions when scholars have been convened for consideration of important issues impacting our world. The HJI International Conference Series continues this tradition.
HJI is grateful for the collaborative support and participation from FFWPU USA, including Rev. Demian Dunkley, Mr. Steven Jares, and Ms. Tal Zorer.
Please CLICK HERE to view the program.