Evening lecture series will explore the spiritual journey of nonviolence, peace and justice

June 14, 2005

Lacey, Wash. – A series of free evening lectures for the public is scheduled as part of the 23rd annual Saint Martin’s College Spiritual Life Institute, June 20-24 on the college campus. Institute faculty members will deliver public lectures at 7:30 p.m. at the college’s Worthington Conference Center, 5300 Pacific Ave. SE. There is no charge and no reservations are required.

The institute is an ecumenical theology program designed to focus on spirituality for today’s world. Each year, well-known theologians for social justice and peacemaking share their thoughts and experiences to inspire awareness and deepen the spiritual journey of participants.

This year’s institute is entitled “The Living Transforming Truth: The Spiritual Journey of Nonviolence, Peace and Justice Today.” It is being led by long-time social activists Jim and Shelley Douglass, founders of the Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action in Poulsbo, Wash. Shelley Douglass also is founder of Mary’s House Catholic Worker, which provides hospitality to homeless families. Jim Douglass has taught theology at the University of Notre Dame, and served as an advisor on questions of nuclear war and conscientious objection to Catholic bishops at the second Vatican Council.

The institute’s public lecture schedule is as follows:

June 21: “JFK, Thomas Merton and the Unspeakable,” by Jim Douglass.

June 22: “What is Truth? Choices in John’s Gospel and Today,” by Shelley Douglass.

June 23: “Conversation Partners: Creatively and Critically Engaging the Vision of Shelley and Jim Douglass from the Perspective of Various Disciplines,” presented by members of the Saint Martin’s College faculty.

For more information about the institute or the lectures, please contact 360-438-4564, sli@stmartin.edu, or visit the college’s website at www.stmartin.edu/spiritual_life.

For more information:

Angie Gross
Institute assistant director
360-438-4564; sli@stmartin.edu

Deanna Partlow
Senior editor, media specialist, Office of Communication
(360) 438-4541; dpartlow@stmartin.edu