Discussion Series on
Faith and Politics
at Pennamma Bhavanam

In the contemporary world, the deabte on the political dimension of faith remains as a key issue, especially in the context of the neo liberal world order and its construction of the terrorism discourse. The question of faith is also important in the context of the fresh insights on the secularism/nationalism discourse.

In this context, we would like to initiate fresh debate on the theme through a series of sessions.
The details of the Sessions are given below:

Tuesday, January 26, 2010, 2.30 PM
Session led by Prof C. Mammachen

Friday, February 12, 2010, 2.30 PM
led by Rev. Thomas John

Friday, February 26, 2010, 2.30 PM
led by Rev. MJ Joseph

Saturday, March 13, 2010, 2.30 PM
led by Prof. Mammen Varkey

ALL ARE WELCOME

Seminar on COMMUNALISM

one-day seminar
Growth of Communalism and the Attacks on Minorities
on Saturday, 22 November 2008, from 9.30 am to 4.00 pm
at Pennamma Bhavanam

The seminar situated the issues theologically, in order to discuss the questions regarding Christian witness today. The seminar discussed the historical roots of communalism and its linkages with casteism. The discourse on secularism and religiosity was reexamined to understand the growth of communalism in India. There were presentations on the attacks on dalit and tribal Christians in Orissa and the communal violence in Marad to understand the subtle and complex dynamics of communalism today.

Programme
Session I: Roots of Communalism
9.30 am to 1.00 pm
Chair: Simon John
Introduction and welcome speech: Satyan T.M.
K.K. Koch: Communalism and Casteism: The historical links
Rev. Sunny George: Secularism and Religiosity in India: foundational issues

Session II: Contemporary Forms of Communal Violence
2.30 to 4.30 pm Chair: Sonia George
Welcome Speech: Ms. Jincy Thampikkutty
Rev. Jacob P. Thomas (Ayroor Chayal Mar Thoma Church): Attacks on Dalit and
Tribal Christians in Orissa
Vidhu Vincent (Journalist and activist): Violence in Marad and the growth of communal fascism in Kerala
Rev. P.V. Joseph (Senior Faculty, KCC): Theological Reflections on Communalism
Vote of Thanks: Shiju Sam Varughese

Introduction and Welcome Speech: T.M. Satyan

Sri. Simon John

Sri. K.K. Koch

Rev. Sunny George

Audience

LUNCH TIME

Smt. Jincy P. Thampikkutty
Smt. Sonia George
Rev. Jacob P. Thomas

Smt. Vidhu Vincent

Rev P.V. Joseph

audience