They discussed together with Rabbi Dr Joseph Potasnick and moderated by Prof. Azza Karam on “(In)Corruptible Faith? Fundamentalism, Extremism and the Oppression of Women”. The two scholars presented their views to an audience of religious leaders from around the globe. Thomas Schirrmacher among other things tackled the hot potato of Gendered based violence with top religious leaders as offenders. Schirrmacher said: “The cases the Catholic Church is struggling with, have made the problem very visible and known globally. But the possibility of misuse of religious authority and power beginning from sexual harassment up to sexual abuse of minors concerns all religions. Still too often the reaction is to hide evil cases as it might destroy the moral example of religious leaders. But isn’t it the other way around: trust is even more destroyed, if religious pope is abused beyond the abuse itself by lying and hiding.
I think that top religious leaders have to set an example that they are not above the morals they preach, religious organizations should not follow the rest of the world, but should be ahead of all, when it comes to check and balances and clear protocols, when leaders are accused – rightly or wrongly.
INVITATION:
FAITHFUL CONVERSATION July, 14, 2021, New York/Washington:
“(In)Corruptible Faith? Fundamentalism, Extremism and the Oppression of Women” The Faithful Conversations are unscheduled, open, with no predetermined questions or agenda. They are designed to give voice to members of Religions for Peace’s distinguished leadership, who are in or near or passing through our Headquarters in UN Plaza in New York. Archbishop Professor Dr Thomas Schirrmacher, a Religions for Peace World Council (governing board) member (among many other distinguished service and leadership roles), happens to be visiting Washington DC this week, where he is invited as a VIP to discuss Christian- Muslim relations, and his own Church’s singular efforts to build brides of peaceful coexistence. Even though his physical movement is circumscribed to DC, we New Yorkers feel he is close enough to wish to meet with him on the corner of UN plaza – albeit virtually. Professor Christine Schirrmacher, a specialist on political Islam, Middle East politics and society- among many other distinguished mantels of expertise – has recently co-authored a book (one of many) with Professor Thomas (her spouse), on the oppression of women. Rabbi Dr Joseph Potasnick, a New Yorker through and through (read: powerfully connected, humble in service to all, and with a great sense of humour) heads the NY Board of Rabbis, and has recently launched the International Board of Rabbis. Among his many and diverse acts of service, Rabbi Potasnick also hosts a weekly radio talk show featuring a conversation between a Pastor and a Rabbi (himself) engaging with religion and contemporary social dynamics. He also serves as a Religions for Peace Honorary President.
Moderator: Professor Azza Karam, General Secretary of Religious for Peace
