Many people associate religion with conflict and violence, but conference organiser Dr Geoff Troughton—a senior lecturer in Victoria’s School of Art History, Classics and Religious Studies—says that this perception reflects only part of the story.
“Peace occupies a central place in the teaching of most religions, even if actual practices are often more ambivalent. We need to understand these contours better.”
Dr Troughton says that the contribution of religion to peace and peacemaking in New Zealand warrants particular attention.
“Reconciliatory ethics have played a role in New Zealand Christianity from the time of Samuel Marsden onwards, though the nature and impact of such peaceable emphases have not been widely examined.
“In a season of war commemoration, it’s timely to be considering New Zealand’s peaceable reputation, and exploring more critically the contributions of Christian people, ideas and institutions.”
The conference brings together historians, scholars of religion, theologians and activists, who will explore a diverse range of topics. These topics include panels on nineteenth-century missions, and various forms of pacifism and anti-militarism during the two world wars—including the activities of lesser known groups such as the Quakers, Cooneyites and Seventh-day Adventists.
Other papers will explore the anti-nuclear movement of the 1970s and 1980s, and more contemporary ideas and activism—including reflection on recent action against the Government Communications Security Bureau base at Waihopai, and examination of the peace teachings of African migrant churches.
“The conference will appeal to people interested in New Zealand identity, peace issues and those who want to critically reflect on religion.”
Speakers include prominent scholars such as professors Christopher Marshall (Victoria University), Peter Lineham (Massey University), David Tombs and John Stenhouse (Otago University) and David Grant—a leading historian of pacifism and anti-militarism in New Zealand.