The Rise of Radical Islam in Central Asia/the Caucasus: What Is Our Christian Response?

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Brunswick extends a warm welcome to all members of the general public for a very special program entitled The Rise of Radical Islam in Central Asia/the Caucasus: What Is Our Christian Response? The facilitator will be Jane Knox-Voina, recently retired professor in Bowdoin College’s Russian Department. In addition to teaching Russian as a language, she taught some cultural courses on Central Asia/the Caucasus and Moslem cultures. One of her areas of expertise is the development of radical Islam (which is also tied to anti-Americanism) in those areas. Jane not only knows the history of that area but also understands the cultural, political, and economic reasons for the extremism that has developed. In light of the recent Boston bombings, this promises to be a very informative evening.

The second part of the program deals with the question of our Christian response to these developments. There is, of course, no one “right” response, but through gaining a better understanding of the dynamics involved, raising questions, respectfully listening to one another, open sharing, and dialoguing together, each of us can at least begin to wrestle with that question. Unfortunately, it is not a new question, but likely one that will be with us for a long time.

The program will be held on Friday, May 17 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, corner of Pleasant and Union Streets in Brunswick. (Please enter through the side door on Union Street beyond the parking lot.) Coffee/tea and small desserts will be offered at 7:00 p.m.; the program itself will begin at 7:30 and end at 9:00. Admission is free. If you have any questions, please call the church office at 725-5342.