News and Information
Emory University
Atlanta, GA 30322

Release date: May 17, 1999
Contact: Elaine Justice, Assistant Director

Emory To Host Public Conference On Violence Reduction

Experts from theologians to psychiatrists, from social scientists to ethicists will gather at Emory University to discuss possible breakthroughs as potent as any medical cure-the end of human violence and the creation of violence-free societies. The public is invited to learn more about this quest at a symposium titled "Violence Reduction in Theory & Practice: From Primates to Nations" June 3-5 at Emory's Cox Hall.

A joint project of Emory's religion department and the Colloquium on Violence & Religion (COV&R), the symposium will present a full spectrum of theories and practices available today for violence reduction, says conference organizer Theophus Smith, an Emory religion professor who has made the topic a centerpiece of his own research. The conference is so named, says Smith, because its speakers and resources range from studies of animal conflict resolution conducted at Emory's Yerkes Primate Center, to international conflict resolution conducted by The Carter Center. Workshop topics also will cover front-page issues from school yard violence to the death penalty.

Keynote speakers will include South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission member and theologian Charles Villa-Vincenzio; Emory's Frans de Waal, internationally known researcher at Yerkes on primate conflict resolution; Eric Gans of the University of California at Los Angeles, who edits an on-line journal on these issues; celebrated Stanford University scholar Rene Girard, whose works on scapegoating and sacred violence provide theoretical focus for scholars around the world; and Regina Schwartz, whose book, "The Curse of Cain: The Violent Legacy of Monotheism," has generated a national debate on religion and violence.

For a complete schedule and information, call 404-727-5337, or visit the conference web site at www.emory.edu/COLLEGE/RELIGION/COVR99meeting.html.

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