Conference on Religious Values and Legal Dilemmas in Bioethics: foreword.

AuthorUelmen, Amelia J.

FOREWORD

When the planning for the Symposium on Religious Values and Legal Dilemmas in Bioethics began, we could not have imagined the dramatic backdrop against which it would take place. As we gathered in the Fordham Law School amphitheatre in January 2002, just a few miles from Ground Zero, New York City was still numb from the shock of the events of September 11, 2001. Who had not asked themselves, how can we overcome the now intensified fear that manipulations of religion will divide and fragment our pluralistic society? Not an easy question, as we embarked on a conference that delved into some of the most difficult and perhaps divisive issues of our time.

Yet we also sensed that our gathering in a spirit of dialogue between people of different faith traditions--Muslims, Christians, and Jews--and with those who may not identify with a particular faith tradition, could be a sign of hope and a model for constructive exchange. We had already seen how a fruitful dialogue had emerged from Fordham Law School's initial conferences that explored the theoretical, ethical and practical implications of "religious lawyering." (1)

We hoped that the Symposium on Religious Values and Legal Dilemmas in Bioethics would bring us two steps ahead: first, in the depth of the interfaith exchange, and second, in the depth of analysis on how religious values may serve as a helpful resource and guide to enrich a particular area of practice. We believe the conference was a success on both accounts, and the Articles and Essays included in this symposium issue are the best evidence.

Against the backdrop of September 11th, respectful and profound interfaith exchange was acknowledged as an urgent necessity. Just a few days before the conference, representatives of the world's religions had gathered in Assisi, Italy for a Day of Prayer for Peace in the World. The hope expressed for that gathering helped set the tone for ours: "we wish to listen to one another: we believe that this itself is already a sign of peace. In listening to one another there is already a reply to the disturbing questions that worry us. This already serves to scatter the shadows of suspicion and misunderstanding." (2)

"Listening was already a reply" in our efforts to make room to let the diversity of the other's perspective open our horizon and enrich our world. "Listening was already a reply" which helped to build the respect and trust necessary to recognize our common humanity--which then...

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