The Crisis of the Abuse of Power and Christian Reconciliation

The Crisis of the Abuse of Power and Christian Reconciliation

Friday, Oct. 9, 2020

5 p.m. Central

Zoom and YouTube Livestream

Panelists:

Rev. Kristine Suna-Koro, Associate Professor of Theology, Xavier University
Adam DeVille, Associate Professor of Theology, University of St. Francis
Ashley Purpura, Assistant Professor of Religious Studies, Purdue University
Nicholas Denysenko, Ph.D., Emil & Elfriede Jochum Professor and Chair, Valparaiso University (moderator)

In modern history, Christian communities throughout the world have struggled with the abuse of power. Sordid accounts of sexual abuse have rocked the Roman Catholic Church. Orthodox Christians have witnessed to power struggles among synods and bishops that have angered and confused the laity. The Churches are not immune to abuses of power that have deeply wounded the body of Christ, especially women, people of color, immigrants, and LGBT people. The crisis of power abuse rages among government and civil authorities as well. The events of the summer of 2020 exposed and deepened an existing brokenness in human society, as the marginalized suffered disproportionately from the effects of COVID-19, the civil unrest caused by the killing of George Floyd, and the uprisings that reject power abuse in Belarus and Lebanon.

What are the factors that contribute toward the accumulation of power and its abuse by the occupants of the highest offices? What methods can communities employ to promote healing and reconciliation in the Church? What can Christians offer to a world stuck in a crisis of power abuse that seems to have no end in sight?

Our three panelists will address the crisis of power and the possibilities for reconciliation in short presentations and a moderated conversation.

Join Zoom Meeting:

https://valpo-edu.zoom.us/j/83710366516?pwd=RU90UzdmMmFjTFhLYmowNnc5VmlOUT09

Meeting ID: 837 1036 6516

Passcode: 311794

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