Community Members Invited to Interfaith Discussion of Medical Ethics Case

ANNVILLE, PA (01/13/2015)(readMedia)-- During the fourth interfaith dialogue in a series of six to be held in Miller Chapel on the Lebanon Valley College campus this academic year, religious leaders will collectively consider their respective responses to a published case of medical ethics. How might members of each religious tradition approach the situation presented in which a request is made to forego life-saving treatment? What teachings or perspectives might come into play in determining a response to the request? Panelists will briefly illustrate responses by sharing archetypes from religious tradition.

With the goal of fostering knowledge and understanding within the local community, faculty and staff at Lebanon Valley College have planned six dialogues involving a diverse panel of religious leaders for the 2014–2015 academic year. Each dialogue begins with a statement regarding a particular issue or topic on the part of each religious leader. Panelists and audience members are then invited to present questions or comments to the gathered group. A light pizza and salad lunch is provided.

The panel of six religious leaders includes Rabbi Paula Reimers of Congregation Beth Israel, Jay Deshpande from the Hindu community, Father Jim Podlesny from the Church of Holy Spirit in Palmyra, Belali Elmostafa from Lebanon Valley Mosque, Rev. Shellie Sterner from the United Methodist Church, and Shosu Geoff Dunaway from the Blue Mountain Lotus Society. An Yountae, teaching fellow in religion at LVC, will moderate.

"Friendly, thoughtful dialogue among faiths is a key ingredient for enhancing mutual understanding and respect among cultures and religions" according to Rev. Dr. Paul Fullmer, chaplain at Lebanon Valley College. "This is increasingly important as our society becomes increasingly globalized. We certainly won't all agree on all points of our discussion, but chances are that we will learn from one another."

Sustained Dialogues (SDs) are conducted at colleges and universities across the United States. They typically focus on social issues within a particular area such as ethnic background, social status, genders, political affiliations, and religion.

The dialogues at Lebanon Valley College are free and open to the public. Other dialogues have been scheduled in the lobby of Miller Chapel at 11 a.m. on January 20 (Medical Ethics: Case Study), February 17 (Ecology and Tradition), and March 17 (Ecology in a Material World). To register, call 717-867-6135 or email nsmith@lvc.edu. More information about Sustained Dialogues and other events at Miller Chapel on the LVC campus can be found at http://www.lvc.edu/spiritual-life/concerts-events.aspx.