LEADING international scholars from Judaism, Islam and Christianity are converging in Winchester from September 9-11 to attend a major interfaith conference at the University of Winchester.

Themes for Interfaith Dialogue in Modernity and Post-modernity include how dialogue between scholars of religion impacts on religious institutions; the role of religion in peacemaking and conflict resolution; and issues of religious identity and multiculturalism.

Dr Paul Hedges, a lecturer from the University of Winchester's Department of Theology and Religious Studies, who also sits on the editorial board for The Journal of Religious History, said: "Today, when the cultures of the world are coming closer yet also seem to be drawing further apart, there is an increasing need for the representative faith traditions to engage in dialogue.

"This event will provide a central colloquium of intensive discussion and around this, a much wider conference on interfaith encounter will occur. There is a fascinating line-up of very distinguished speakers."

The conference has been organised by Dr Hedges with Reverend Canon Dr Alan Race (St Philips Centre and World Congress of Faiths, UK) and Professor Leonard Swidler (Temple University, USA) alongside The Journal of Ecumenical Studies; Interreligious Insight; Dialogue Institute; and the World Congress of Faiths.

Some of the many delegates include: the respected Islamic representative, Alwi Shihab, former Harvard Professor and Special Minister to the President of Indonesia; Professor Reuven Firestone, Hebrew Union College, USA; Professor Rosemary Radford Ruether, Claremont Graduate University and Pacific School of Religion, USA; Professor Ursula King, University of Bristol.

Registration for the conference is now closed but the public may attend evening sessions on September 9 and 10 from 6pm-7.30pm.

Professor Leonard Swidler will present the lecture Modernity's Fourth - and Key - Element: Dialogue on September 9 and Professor Rosemary Radford Ruether will present Ecofeminism and Interfaith Dialogue on September 10.

Further information can be obtained by emailing Paul.Hedges@winchester.ac.uk or calling 01962 827451.