Dialogue on Catholicism and Terrorism to be Held at Holy Cross

WORCESTER, Mass. – There will be a dialogue titled, "The Catholic Community Forms Its Conscience on War and Terrorism" on Thursday, Dec. 13, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the Rehm Library of Smith Hall. This event is free and open to the public.

This dialogue will focus on the complex moral and political questions of conscience facing all American citizens. The Catholic community affirms nonviolence as an ideal, urges exploration of nonviolent forms of dispute resolution and supports people of conscience who refuse to bear arms. The community also embraces men and women in the armed forces and its leaders affirm the right of the state, in some circumstances, to use force to secure justice. How can a local church, parish or individual Catholic live by convictions born of faith in a society marked by religious diversity and sometimes by very serious moral differences?

Panelists and participants will address one another with a sense of shared responsibility for the witness and mission of their church and for the actions taken by their government. Panelists are as follows:

* Kristin Heyer, Boston College * Scott Schaeffer-Duffy, St. Francis and Therese House * Suzanne Shanley, Agape Community * Ward Thomas, College of the Holy Cross

This panel is sponsored by Holy Cross' Center for Religion, Ethics and Culture.