Papers and Workshops

Presenter information and abstracts

Landscapes of Faith and Religion

 

Title	About the Presenter(s)	Abstract
F1. An open conversation about our experiences of multi-faith chaplaincy in secular settings, identifying and clarifying emerging issues and finding support.	Geoff Boyce is a former secondary school teacher. He was instrumental in redefining the relationship between the churches and state schools in South Australia, creating structures which ultimately led to the provision of state school chaplains. He has been chaplain to Flinders University since 1997, appointed by the Uniting Church, and has been engaged in a process of "re-imagining" tertiary chaplaincy in times of change since. Geoff is married to Sandy, People in Mission Coordinator for the Uniting Church in Australia, placing volunteers in partner churches in Asia and the Pacific. They have 3 grown children.	Four years ago chaplaincy at Flinders University changed from an ecumenical Christian to a Multifaith Chaplaincy Service. We now have Christian, Buddhist, Pagan and Sikh chaplains on campus. In this workshop we begin a conversation among participants by sharing our experiences at Flinders - how multifaith chaplaincy has developed, problems that have been overcome, new understandings, skills and structures that are emerging, resources we have drawn on and challenges that lie ahead. We are working toward developing multifaith chaplaincy training. Through conversation together we hope that participants will be encouraged and new global friendships of support develop. back
F2. Bridging the Divide: God, Science, and the Space Between	Jeffrey C. Pugh is Professor of Religious Studies at Elon University in Elon, North Carolina. He is the author of Entertaining the Triune Mystery: God, Science, and the Space Between by Continuum Publishing Company and "The Matrix of Faith: Reclaiming A Christian Vision" by Crossroad Publishing Company.	One of the spaces today that exists for the interaction of faith communities and the academic setting is found in the burgeoning discussion taking place between the sciences and religion. Fuelled by the Templeton Foundation and newly emerging societies, the discussion taking place among participants is breaking down barriers and opening spaces for engagement. This constitutes new openings for exchange among all faith communities and the mission of the university. This presentation will address how chaplains and professors can take advantage of these opportunities. Drawing upon both academic and personal experience we will consider models to explore as we return to our campus settings. back
F3. Does God heal today? The role of faith and forgiveness.	Beverley Paterson has recently completed the Diploma in Christian Counselling And Family Therapy from the Australian Institute of family Counselling Ltd. Canberra. Trained to minister with Victorious Ministry Through Christ, Theophostic Ministry and Healing Rooms. Experience with Ellel & Elijah House ministries. Works as a nurse and is a part-time Chaplain at Newcastle University, NSW (Australia). Two grown children who have extended her faith.	On campus we minister to both staff & students. Those who come to us for help usually have emotional, spiritual, physical or relational problems. Sometimes all they want is a listening ear and assurance that God is with them. Other times they may be ready to do some work on their issues and a counselling relationship develops. Sometimes people come to us after formal medical and emotional support has failed to help their problem. God is their last chance. Jesus healed when He was on earth; Does He still heal emotionally, physically & spiritually today? John 14:12-14 "Truly, truly I say to you, he who believes in me will also do the works I do; and greater works than these will he do. because I go to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son; if you ask anything in my name I will do it" do we believe His words and are we ready to pray for healing for those who visit us in the chaplaincy? The presenter will briefly explain the ministries of V.M.T.C., Elijah house, Ellel Ministries, Theothostic ministry & Healing rooms. Personal & family experiences will illustrate the presentation. The role of forgiveness is also discussed. back
F4. Establishing a multi-faith centre: a cautionary tale for chaplains	Patricia Blundell, Ecumenical co-ordinating chaplain at Griffith University (since 1994), was involved in the establishment of the Griffith Multi-Faith Centre (1995 to 2003). From 2000, as acting director of the Centre, she organised inter-religious dialogue events and in 2003 convened the Australian Association for the Studies of Religion Conference which featured a strand on Multi-Faith Dialogue. She holds Masters Degrees in Theology, Aboriginal Education and Religious Education.	The Multi-Faith Centre at Griffith University will, it is hoped, provide an ideal place for inter-religious dialogue. Indeed its establishment has involved a practical exercise in inter-religious co-operation and dialogue already. This paper offers a reflection on the establishment phase of the centre in terms of developing a vision and guiding principles. It will draw on experiences of inter-faith dialogue programs offered during the two years in which the presenter was acting director of the centre. It will also discuss the necessity of establishing formal structures, which would ensure that chaplaincy remains a vital part of such a venture. back
F5. Exploring the Hidden Heart of Youth, A journey through Visual Arts	Andrew Beiers has been involved in Youth work for 10 years and been Campus Minister at Australian Catholic University for 7years. His passion and interests lie in connections between the creative expression of spirituality through Drama, Dance, Music and Visual Arts. Married to conductor, Jane Massingham, together they have two daughters, Gabrielle, 5 and Helena, 3. Andrew has directed the Catholic Archdiocesan Youth Rallies at Southbank during the 1990s and the 2000s; Hearts on Fire; closing ceremony in 2000 and the Brisbane Archdiocesan Year Ten Gathering at The Sleeman Sports Centre 2004.	This workshop will explore youth spirituality via media, video, art and music. It will engage participants in their own personal experiences as well as equip them with a series of resources and activities they can use on camps or retreats. back
F6. Harmony and Faith - Living and Leaning Together on Campus	Leonie-Ruth Acland has two roles at the University of Canberra: coordiantor of the Spiritual Meeting Place (incorporating Chaplaincy) and project manager for the Harmony and Faith Project. She has extensive experience living in a variety of languages and cultures and a hands on approach to multiculturalism. She has a background in linguistics and language teaching, have studied theology and have both managerial and pastoral care skills.	The University of Canberra was awarded a grant of $43,000 for a twelve month period beginning in Dec 2003 under the Living in Harmony Community Grants. These are given to encourage local communities to promote harmony between people and groups from different religious backgrounds in the community. In this case the community is the initially the community of the University of Canberra. This paper presents an overall view of the project and proposals for its full implementation. A review of progress so far will also be presented and possibilities for the future discussed. Although the project is specific to the University of Canberra it will prove inspirational for other tertiary institutions within Australia and overseas. back
F7. "I'm religious--how do you spell that?": remedial education and student leadership in religious diversity.	Jan Fuller Carruthers is the Chaplain at Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia (USA), where she has served for 17 years.	Our universities are increasingly religiously diverse, populated largely by students who know little about their own traditions. In this workshop, I will propose models that engage students in learning about belief and practice from each other in multi-faith education, dialogue, leadership, and even worship. How can students understand their own spiritual viewpoints? How can they learn from and teach each other? What structures will give it student ownership? Can diverse religions worship/pray together? Is it synchretism to do so? back
F8. Islamic Concept of Chaplaincy	Abdul Hai Patel was born in India. Community profile includes: Commissioner – Ontario Human Rights Commission, since 1999. Coordinator of the Islamic Council of Imams-Canada since 1990. Muslim Chaplain – University of Toronto & Whitby mental health Centre, since 1997. Founding member & Chair of Community Leaders Forum for Diversity & Human Values since 2001. Recipient of Governor General’s award for Community Service in 1993.	The word "Chaplain" has no Islamic origin or base and is not synonymous with Imam or Shaikh. However, as Islam is a way of life, there will always be a role for a Chaplaincy or Religious Leader. I will attempt to explain this role relative to Campus life. In Islam there are four levels of religious leadership: 1) An Imam who leads the daily Salat. This can be any individual, who has knowledge of the Quranic recitation and knows the basic rules of Salat. Preference is given to one who has memorized the Quran and / or graduated from a Seminary. 2) A Shaikh or Moulana – He is a graduate of a Seminary in Islamic theology. 3) A Muftee who is qualified in Islamic Jurisprudence and is able to give a ruling in a particular situation, on the question of permissibility or prohibition of acts. 4) A Spiritual Guide who will have one or all of the above qualifications or none of the above, but possess sound knowledge and superior level of worshiping qualities. A chaplain’s role can be performed by any one of them. On campus, there is a need to: Lead Prayers; Give Sermons; Advise and Counsel; Perform Marriages; Conduct funeral services; Officiate and represent Islam when required. This workshop will explore some of the detail of an Islamic chaplain’s role and give practical examples of issues faced by students and how a chaplain can support them on campus. back
F9. Multiple Religious Belonging – extending the spectrum of spirituality	Tom Sherwood is ecumenical Chaplain, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada; ordained minister in the United Church of Canada; also Adjunct Professor and Sessional Lecturer in the Sociology of Religion, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses; a founding member of 3 interfaith dialogues; Theme Speaker at the last meeting of the Canadian Association of Campus Chaplains; presented a paper on professionalism in campus ministry at Phoenix Rising (Vancouver 2000).	It has been called "fusion faith" (Emberley, 2002: 148-202), "multiple religious belonging" (Cornille, 2002) and "double religious belonging" (Cornille, 2003). In "Life of Pi," the adolescent title character seems to be becoming Hindu, Christian and Muslim at the same time. His father says, "He seems to be attracting religions the way a dog attracts fleas" (Martel, 2002: 82). As a campus minister, I am used to students blending traditions into a personal spirituality; and as a sociologist, I am familiar with syncretism. But a new phenomenon is emerging in my pastoral ministry: young adults self-identifying as fully members of more than one world religion, for example: Christianity and Islam, or Buddhism and Judaism. Just as children have grown up bilingual and bicultural by speaking French to one parent and English to the other, young adults are growing up today "speaking" two different religions, and claim to express themselves with integrity in both. Just as we have had pastoral experience dealing with an interfaith couple as a social unit, we are now dealing with individuals who claim to belong to more than one religion. This paper reports on some recent Canadian research into this phenomenon, including interviews with students. It raises some of the theological and pastoral questions. It also seeks to occasion conversation with other religious professionals who have encountered this phenomenon. Is it a familiar phenomenon in other societies? Is it a function of modern pluralism and demographic mobility? Is it more likely to occur in an intentionally multicultural society like Canada? back
F10. Recalling and Reclaiming our Stories from the Academy.	Reverend Malcolm L. Frazier is a United Methodist ordained elder in the Baltimore Washington Conference in the USA. He earned his Masters of Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC where he is currently a Doctor of Ministry student. He is the Campus Minister at Howard University in Washington, DC. Malcolm is his conference's United Methodist Student Movement Advisor, and a member of the National United Methodist Campus Ministers Co-ordinating Committee.	The theological foundation of the workshop is the power of biblical narrative to transform. The participants will get an appreciation for the contextual and narrative uniqueness of the college and university experience. The workshop aims to show how our shared stories can build community and solidarity. Using what is called a symbolic frame, participants will explore how myths, rituals, ceremonies, heroes and heroines, and vision played an integral part of our stories and how they helped us to find meaning. These stories from the academic settings both shape who we are and can empower us in our ministry. The workshop participants will be challenged to discover narrative commonalities in the midst of their various faith traditions. back
F11. Reinventing tolerance - working inclusively in a multi-faith higher education setting	Erich von Dietze is University Chaplain at Curtin University in Western Australia. This is a multi-faith role which co-ordinates the university's chaplaincy service and provides a chaplaincy service to over 35,000 students, staff and faculty.	Chaplains commonly claim to be tolerant and inclusive of those of other faiths. How do we define tolerance and inclusiveness? How do we identify when they are occurring? This paper seeks to address these issues in three parts: 1) I sketch some background ideas examining society’s attitudes towards religious tolerance and inclusiveness. 2) I will outline some ideas on religious inclusivity through dialogue and understanding. 3) Using a series of practical examples from my own work environment I will outline some of the practical elements which underlie the concept of a multi-faith chaplaincy. back
F12. Sacred space in the university: conception and construction	Matt Ward is Anglican Chaplain at Coventry University and is currently involved in the development of a new multi-faith centre. He has special interest in cultural analysis particularly issues related to consumer culture and cultural geographies.	When we talk of sacred space we speak of space that has religious power conferred upon it by rites of protection and prohibition (Lefebvre). Creating sacred space within a multi-faith environment presents challenges to the way in which we conceive of space and how we mark its boundaries, especially when the rites involved are designed to exclude others. This paper will draw upon cultural analytical and anthropological sources to explore our conceptions and constructions of sacred space. Using these insights it will then address issues raised in the creation of sacred space within the multi-faith environment found in many universities. back
F13. Samurai (warrior) and the Christian Faith	Prof. Nobu T. Imaizumi is a professor-chaplain and also a graduate professor, advisor to graduate students. His major field of research is in the area of comparative studies of social and cultural structures of U.S. and Japan. He also teaches Christian Studies in his University. His workshop in on Samurai (Warrior) and the Christian Faith (how Christian faith is at work in Japan)	To many westerners Japan and Japanese remain to be an enigma. It's been only slightly over 100 years since the Christian faith was formally introduced here. Many Japanese, even though they have accepted the Christian faith, have a hard time accepting it fully, because of their peculiar socio-religious and cultural tradition. So this workshop focuses upon the cultural tradition of Samurai era and delve into reasons why Christians are still a small minority here (less than 1 % of the total population of 125.000.000). Instead of rejecting the Japanese cultural tradition, affirmation of their unique Samurai tradition may enhance the spread of Christianity in Japan. This will have bearing upon other Asian traditions as well. back
F14. Storytelling as a means of experiencing a 'divine-human' encounter.	Mavis Lee is Lay Catholic Chaplain and Senior Lecturer, Nursing, at St.Martin's College, Lancaster. UK. The creative use of storytelling/narrative and biographies are vital elements of my chaplaincy, professional and personal life. Following retirement, from teaching this year, more time will be available for all aspects of my chaplaincy role. To be a person is to have a story:	This paper will present links between storytelling and pastoral care. Through literature and reflections a framework has been developed to add an 'academic thread' to the natural ability of people to tell a personal story. The evidence source from the theories and concepts of narrative theology, psychology and critical reflection will be used to explain the framework. This will than be used with stories from scripture and other faith and cultural traditions to focus on the 'divine-human' encounter often evident in a story. In the same context, to conclude, personal reflections from pastoral care will be shared. back
F15. The End of Church? Exploring the Place and Practice of Christianity in Higher Education	Dr. Willis (Bill) Van Groningen served as Christian Reformed Campus Minister at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada for 16 years. For the next 5 years he was the campus ministry director for the Christian Reformed Church’s campus ministry work throughout North America. In September he accepted the appointment as Director of Ministry Development for the Christian Reformed Church’s mission work in North America. He is married, and his four daughters are all engaged in higher education. He currently resides in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA.	A few years ago, Francis Fukyama published a paper entitled “The End of History.” He was not making an apocalyptic statement, but rather suggesting that social development had progressed to its ultimate expression in (Western/American) democracy. Hence, this form of history was complete; social organization had reached its zenith. This seminar will not be so bold as to declare such an end, but does wish to pose a similar kind of question. Has the institutional form of Christianity we know as “church” reached its zenith? Is “church” the culmination and completion of Christian practice in our world, or has this institutional structure perhaps passed it prime? In a public, pluralist, educational setting, how, if at all, does church belong on campus? The seminar will conclude around the suggestion that the place and practice of Christianity on campus today likely prefigures what we can expect for the church in society tomorrow. back
F16. The University as a Spiritual Place	Tom Oosterhuis has been Christian Reformed chaplain at the University of Alberta for more than 28 years, and a sessional lecturer in theology for 10 years. Tom was born and raised in Ontario, Canada, completed his undergraduate work and M. Div in the U.S.A. and his doctorate in theology in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.	The university is articulating a spirituality whether it admits to this or not. For many universities today, including my own, (the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada), the implicit spirituality is one that is shaped by the bottom line.  In a white paper that provided a 10 year plan, 10 years ago, our university in cooperation with the provincial government defined the university as it now functions. In that paper, excellence was defined in terms of "how many of our students are placed in the highest paying positions in our country". What kind of spirituality lies behind the driven character of the life of so many students and faculty, that has led to overtaxed counselling centres, rising suicide attempts and high consumption of anti-depressants? How do we as chaplains call the university to be more reflective about the university as a spiritual place and tie this question into the nature and purpose of a university? How do we get chaplaincy to move out of the chapel and into the agora and challenge the university at its heart to recognize that it has a responsibility to develop a conscious vision of how it shapes students as essentially spiritual beings. back
F17. What Works: Using creativity in performing and healing arts in the campus ministry centre	Beth Cooper is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church. She received her graduate degrees from Southern Methodist University in music and theology. She is also working on her doctorate at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. Beth has worked most of her life in performing arts, over half of her life to social justice issues, and recently, the last seven years to the healing arts. Beth is a certified reiki and karuna reiki master, and reflexologist. She also works with aromatherapy, meditation, and other avenues of healing. Beth is serving a Wesley Foundation where these ministries are being integrated and looking forward to building a new centre where worship, offices, and meeting space will be integrated with the ministries new center where worship, offices, and meeting space will be integrated with the ministries.	We live in a world under the fear of terrorism. There are many within our campus ministry centres that live with anxiety, fear, anger, and loss. Many struggle with addictions and those things that abuse the body, mind, and soul. Because we all have had loss, we are all in recovery. What would one's campus ministry space look like if one could incorporate space that would use the healing arts in one's recovery? How could worship be enhanced if we looked at various art forms that could appeal to all of our senses? What are varying techniques of healing arts and how could they be used in a campus ministry centre? As we look to our campus ministries, how as campus ministers are we in need of healing? Do we know how important play and humour are in our lives? Can this be achieved with limited resources? How does this deepen one's spirituality? These are some of the questions that we are going to discuss along with experiencing different ritual and basic healing touch. Wear comfortable clothing and bring open minds. back
F18. Wonder and Other Life Skills: Nurturing the Spiritual Lives of College Students through Retreats and Creative Arts	Rev. B. Kathleen Fannin is an ordained minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). She is a graduate of Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis and is currently enrolled in the Doctor of Ministry program at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. Since 1998 she has served as the 7th Chaplain of Monmouth College, an historically Presbyterian institution, where she also teaches in the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies. She is the author of "In Search of the River: A Spiritual Journal in Scripture and Verse," Fairway Press, 1992; "Cows In Church: 80 Biblically Based Children's Sermons," CSS Publishing, 1999; "God at the Center: Lenten Devotions for College Students 2002," HEMA, 2002; and numerous articles. Rev. Fannin has led spiritual life retreats and workshops throughout the United States.	From the time they set foot on campus, college students have their attention pulled in many directions as they sort out issues of leaving home, living with a roommate, wanting to fit in, finding time to study, choosing co-curricular activities, encountering people of other cultures and faith traditions, and sorting out their own spiritual identities. Most of the students at Monmouth College fall into the 18-23 age bracket, a time in their lives when ambiguity is very unsettling, issues of belonging and meaning are paramount, and spiritual hunger is deep. In this workshop we will discuss spiritual life retreats as a tool that can offer students spiritual nurture. We will explore how engaging students in creative arts (e.g., painting, collage, mandalas, writing) and spiritual disciplines (e.g., prayer, silence, journaling) can open their minds to ingenuity, innovation and imagination to help them connect with the Divine. I will offer examples of themes, retreat formats, and creative activities that have the potential to address the spiritual needs of students across faith traditions. back
F19. Chaplain as a Faith Builder	Fr. P. Edmund Tillekeratne is a Roman Catholic Priest. He works in a Parish and as a Chaplain to University students in the Archdiocese of Colombo. There are four Universities. Students are located in six localities. There are nearly 35,000 thousands in all four Universities. He was a lecturer in Philosophy teaching in the Major Seminary Ampitiya, Kandy prior to this appointment. He earned Licentiate in Philosophy from Urban University in Rome, Bachelor degree in Oriental Music from Lucknow University in Bhathkande in India, attended a Masters Course in the Department of Logic and Scientific Method in London School of Economics in London and holds a BTh from Urban University Rome. He isalso engaged in composing religious music.	Chaplains journey with their students in their search for spiritual nourishment. This journeying together with students helps to deepen their faith in a given milieu. How can this be achieved? Students encounter conflicts between their high standards of knowledge of social sciences and often shallow understanding of Faith. This leads to conflicts that are ideological and emotional. How could these be remedied? What really happens in local context? Having no religion or being belong to no religion has become fashionable. The basis for this position will be explored, together with why and how this can be faced by one who adheres to faith. Positive and Negative elements of being in multi-religious atmosphere. The essential shift needed for youth from cultic and ritualistic religion to an experiential dimension in religion. back

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