Religious forum to look at Scripture and diversity

A panel representing five major religions will explore ways their teachings respond to current global issues and diversity in modern society, at a symposium Wednesday.

The 7 p.m. interfaith dialogue will be at the University of Hawaii Institute of Geophysics auditorium. It is free and open to the public, presented through the UH Outreach College. It will be followed by a presentation May 24.

The participants will seek broader interpretations for their scriptures that have traditionally been used to exclude others or build barriers, according to an announcement from the sponsoring All Believers Network.

The speakers will be Maryknoll Sister Joan Chatfield, Gregg Kinkley of Congregation Sof Ma'arav, the Rev. Al Bloom of Honpa Hongwanji Betsuin, UH professor D.P.S. Bhawuk describing the Hindu viewpoint, and author Saleem Ahmed with a Muslim perspective. The Rev. Mike Young of the First Unitarian Church will be moderator.

The follow-up with panelists of other spiritual traditions will be at 7 p.m. May 24 at the UH Kuykendall building, Room 209. Kawena Young will discuss Hawaiian spirituality; Florence Kelley, Bahai faith; Reynold Feldman, Subud; Kim Payton, Sufism; and Tehmasp Kelawala, Zoroastrian teaching. The Rev. Randolph Sykes of the Inclusive Orthodox Church will be moderator.

The development of a religion curriculum to help students develop a more inclusive view of various religions will be discussed by UH religion professor Ramdas Lamb and the Rev. John Heidel, retired United Church of Christ minister.