The public is invited to Marymount University’s Annual Interfaith Forum from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 6 in Gerard Phelan Dining Hall. This year’s free program, “Faith in Action: Responding to Refugees,” begins at 12:15 p.m. and features guest speakers from Islamic Relief USA, Catholic Charities and HIAS (the Jewish community’s refugee organization).
Lunch tickets will be provided for commuter students and the public.
“We picked this theme because of the tragedies that are happening in Syria and elsewhere,” said Dr. Kathleen Garces-Foley, an associate professor of theology and religious studies. “I don’t think people realize how many countries are affected.”
Garces-Foley added that Marymount has a very diverse student body that includes a large number of international students.
“This isn’t an abstract problem for many of our people,” she said. “They have family members who have been refugees or know people who have been refugees.”
Organizers also wanted to bring attention to the problems facing refugees and the principles that inspire the work of these faith-based nonprofits.
“The refugee crisis is a problem that many religious communities are working with,” Garces-Foley said. “During the panel discussion, we’ll get at some of the commonalities between these three religions.”
The event is sponsored by the Department of Theology and Religious Studies, Campus Ministry Association and International Student Services. For more information, contact Garces-Foley by email.
