Emory University News Release

Release date: Aug. 28, 2002
Contact: Elaine Justice, Associate Director, Media Relations,
at 404-727-0643 or ejustic@emory.edu

Candler Conference to Celebrate ‘Spiritual Guides’

WHO: Emory University’s Candler School of Theology

WHAT: "Companions on the Journey: Spiritual Guides Past, Present and Future," a series of workshops and presentations exploring different aspects of spirituality

WHEN: Tuesday, Sept. 17 – Sunday, Sept. 22

WHERE: Cannon Chapel, 515 Kilgo Circle, and other campus locations

PARKING: Peavine Parking Deck, 27 Fraternity Row, located off Pierce Drive

Emory University’s Candler School of Theology will be the site of a series of public events exploring issues of spirituality and spiritual guidance Sept. 17 – 22. The conference, titled "Companions on the Journey: Spiritual Guides Past, Present and Future," will feature workshops, lectures, worship and fellowship, and is open to the public.

The conference includes presentations by leading theologians—including Candler faculty—on topics such as spiritual practices, mysticism, and creating social change. Workshops will cover topics such as the "Labyrinth as a Metaphor for Life’s Journey," "Zen for Beginners" and "Centering Prayer." These events will conclude with Emory University’s Alumni Weekend, which begins Sept. 19. Highlights of the week include:

• Wednesday, Sept. 18

Howard Thurman Lecture
11 a.m., Cannon Chapel Sanctuary, 515 Kilgo Circle
Mozella Mitchell, a pastor and assistant professor of religious studies at the University of South Florida, will discuss the work of Howard Thurman. Considered by many to have been a mystic and prophet, Thurman provided guidance for dealing with religious and social change, conflict transformation and reconciliation.

Aquinas Lecture: "Thomas Merton: Compassion, Kairos and Social Action."
7 p.m., Cannon Chapel Sanctuary, 515 Kilgo Circle
Victor Kramer, executive director of the Emory-affiliated Aquinas Center of Theology, will discuss the teachings of 20th century monk Thomas Merton.

• Thursday, Sept. 19

Community Worship: Service of Word and Whiteside Lecture, featuring the Rev. Barbara Brown Taylor
11 a.m., Cannon Chapel Sanctuary, 515 Kilgo Circle
Taylor, a Candler alumna, is considered one of the most effective preachers in the English-speaking world and is the author of eight books, many of them collections of her sermons.

Lecture: "Evelyn Underhill as Mystic, Spiritual Guide, and Interpreter,"
1 p.m., Cannon Chapel Sanctuary, 515 Kilgo Circle
Dana Greene, dean of Emory’s Oxford College, will discuss the life and teachings of Evelyn Underhill, a 20th century British religious writer and interpreter of mysticism.

These featured events are free and open to the public. There is a charge for some of the workshops. For more information, contact Candler’s Office of Continuing Ministries Education at 404-727-4587. Program details can be found at candler.emory.edu/ACADEMIC/OCME/companions.html.