Starr King School for the Ministry has announced it's first Symposium to be held August 21-23, 2012: "Living in the Differences: Counter-Oppressive, Multi-Religious The( )logies in the 21st Century". This urban retreat, led by Provost Dr. Ibrahim Farajajé, inaugurates a new structure in SKSM's educational approach: an annual gathering of our entire student body, faculty, staff and trustees for three days of learning, ritual, celebration, food, music, community-building and service. Starr King graduates are also warmly invited to participate, at no cost. We ask that all participants register by August 1 at this link: Symposium 2012 Registration. Several public events in connection with the Symposium are open to all.
REB ZALMAN: GUEST TEACHER AND HONOREE
Rabbi Zalman Schacter-Shalomi is the guest teacher for the Symposium and is receiving an honorary doctorate from Starr King at the closing ceremonies. His lectures and the closing ceremony are open to the public. Reb Zalman stands at the borders of two traditions: Judaism and Sufism. He is both a Rabbi and a Sufi Shaykh, and has participated in significant conversation and meditation with the Dalai Lama. With his colleague Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, he founded the nationwide spiritual movement now known as Jewish Renewal.
CO-SPONSORS, CLASS CREDIT, ASSISTANCE
With leadership from Starr King's core faculty, the Symposium will engage participants in a multi-religious exploration of synergies between the arts, spiritual practice, ritual, the study of sacred texts, and activism for social justice. Starr King's adjunct professor Jiwon Chung, artistic director of Kairos Theater Ensemble, will lead Theater of the Oppressed work. We will spend time with the leaders of Beloved Café and learn about the imagination leading to new forms of religious community. Acclaimed writer and director Amir Soltani, with whom Starr King has a long association through the MASC program, will host a screening and discussion of the latest cut of his movie "Redemption," on the recycling community in Oakland.
The Symposium can be taken for 1.5 units of credit and financial support to assist with travel costs is available for Starr King incoming and continuing degree students who register and apply for aid by July 20th. Home hospitality is available as well, Register here: www.sksmstudents.com/symposium-2012-registration.html.