Making Meaning in a time of Media Polarization

An Inter-Religious Conference
May 30 – June 1, 2023
Available via online, in-person, and hybrid formats

Featured Media Expert Speakers

- Peter Klein
  Canadian journalist, Emmy Award-winner and founder, Global Reporting Centre
- Jason Stanley
  Philosopher, author of How Propaganda Works and How Fascism Works
- Sarah Kendzior
  American journalist, co-host of Gaslit Nation Podcast, and author of They Knew: How a Culture of Conspiracy Keeps America Complacent

Peter Klein’s lecture will be free and open to the public.

Featured Interfaith Activist Speakers & Dialogue Facilitators

Rev. Catherine Keene Merchant (Buddhist)
Sheikh Jamal Rahman (Muslim)
Farid Rohani (Bahá’í)
Rev. Don MacKenzie (Christian)
Rev. John Snow (Stoney Nakoda)
Dr. Terry Neiman (Jewish)
Others to be confirmed

Conference Theme

Religious and spiritual teachers help people interpret their experiences and find meaning in their lives. This work is urgently needed in our time. Radio, television, and news groups sow polarization. Social media cultivates outrage. In the public sphere, disinformation mixes freely with information. People learn narrow understandings of religion, society, and politics.

How, then, should spiritual leaders and scholars of religion proceed? How can they offer wise guidance? Help others discern ethical paths of action? Reach out across divides in mutual understanding? Draw on scriptural and traditional resources to speak with integrity?

Registration is now open

Registration fee: Students $85/ General $175
Financial aid available, contact LDKaplan@vst.edu

Questions?

Contact Conference Administrator Dr. Nicola Hayward, nhayward@vst.edu, or
Conference Director Rabbi Dr. Laura Duhan-Kaplan, LDKaplan@vst.edu.