Raising Awareness Aim of Peace Week
November 06, 2008 - News Release
A panel discussion on eco-religion, a worship tour and a meditation session are just a few of the events planned for the University of Guelph's Peace Week running Nov. 9 to 14.
"Peace Week is a collaborative effort that brings together partners from across campus, all echoing a single refrain — a rallying cry for peace in a world riddled by violence," said Jamie VanderBerg, a minister with the University's Multi-Faith Resource Team who helped organize the event. "It's not just peace in Afghanistan that we're looking for. We're also trying to raise awareness about peace as it pertains to the environment, religious dialogue, women’s rights, gender equality, ethnic diversity and sexual orientation."
All events are free and open to the public.
The week kicks off Nov. 9 with a places of worship tour. Participants will have the opportunity to visit a church, mosque and synagogue, all in one day. The tour leaves at 10 a.m. from parking lot #31. To register visit the student affairs website and click on "Places of Worship Visit."
On Nov. 10, a meditation for peace session will be held in McNally House at 11:30 a.m. A screening of the documentary Peace One Day featuring Nelson Mandela and the Dalai Lama will follow at 7:30 p.m. in Room 103 of the University Centre.
A Remembrance Day service will be held Nov. 11 at 10:30 a.m. in War Memorial Hall.
A screening of the documentary The Greatest Silence: Rape in the Congo will take place the same day at 7 p.m. in Room 115 of the MacKinnon Building.
On Nov. 12, a hate crimes vigil is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the Bullring. An open mic night will follow, with artists invited to express their support in the rally for peace.
A panel discussion on eco-religions, including Baha'i, Islam Buddhism, Christianity and Hinduism, will take place Nov. 13 at 5:30 p.m. in Room 103 of the UC. The panel will include five speakers talking about faith and environmental justice.
An exhibit marking the anniversary of the Holodomor will be set up in the UC courtyard Nov. 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Millions of Ukrainians died of starvation during the Holodomor, which has been recognized as a crime against humanity and is considered one of the greatest national catastrophes to affect the Ukraine. In addition, there will be several peace-related displays.
For more information on Peace Week, visit the website.
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt, 519-824-4120, Ext. 53338/l.hunt@exec.uoguelph.ca, or Deirdre Healey, Ext. 56982/d.healey@exec.uoguelph.ca.
