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freedom, global trendsin religious freedom (concentrating on restrictions

rather than outright persecution),religious freedom in Canada (legal,

political, social, andeducational), public benefits of religious freedom,

citizenship andfreedom, and pluralism and freedom. Confirmed speakers

include Dr. David Novak and Dr.Peter Marshall. For more information,

contact: Dr. Paul Chamberlain, conference coordinator, at

eMail=sheryl.mawdsley@twu.ca.

THE FUTURE OF CHRISTIANITY IN THE WEST

An international, interdisciplinary conference onthe Future of Christianity in

the West will take placeat the University of Otago, New Zealand, December

6-9, 2002. The main speakers willbe David Martin, London School of

Economics, and Robert Wuthnow, Princeton University. An open call for

papers is being issued. Themes to be dealt withmay include: the state (and

possible end) of the secularization thesis, the past, present and futureof

Christianity in Australiaand New Zealand, comparative Christianities in

Europe, North America, and/or Australasia, problems and prospectsof

Christianity in the public square, and the impact of globalization andreligious

pluralism on religious life in Western societies. Those wishing topresent

papers (30 minutes in length) are asked to submit an abstract of no more than

200 words with a briefC.V. by June 15to the Conference Secretariat, School

of Liberal Arts, University of Otago,P.O. Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand; fax

(64) 3-479-5790; eMail=nicola.richmond@stonebow.otago.ac.nz. Proposalswill

be reviewed as soon as they are received. Expressions of interestare also

welcome.

CALL FORPAPERS:PHILADELPHIA STORIES: EMBRACING URBAN

DIVERSITY CONFERENCE, Philadelphia PA., April 4-6, 2003.

We invite proposals--papers,workshops, artistic expressions,

storytelling, andpanels that address the stated objectives. We will give

priority to presentationsthat engage the audience in interaction. Send

proposals to John E. Sharp, Mennonite Church USA Historical Committee,

1700 South MainStreet, Goshen, IN 46526. Or by eMail=johnes@goshen.edu.

Deadline is September 1, 2002.

Objectives of the conference:

1) To highlight and value racial/ethnic

diversity within Mennonite Church USA; 2).To interpret past experience and