George Negus talks at SCU

Helping to remove some of the ignorance surrounding religions such as Islam is the aim of a talk to be presented by George Negus at Southern Cross University’s Coffs Harbour campus on Friday, May 28.

Mr Negus, one of Australia’s most highly regarded journalists, believes the mutual ignorance between the world’s major religions is at the heart of conflicts such as Iraq.

His talk on human rights titled ‘Tolerance in an intolerant world’ is part of the
Doing Justice Seminar Series, hosted by SCU’s School of Social Sciences and TAFE.

“Post-Iraq, post-terrorism and post the Middle East, our relationship with the Muslim world remains the problem. It’s very much about religion. We have to deal with it by removing the mutual ignorance,” Mr Negus said.

“People become intolerant. Basically where Christians, Muslims and Jews are concerned they are all claiming to be right.”

He said it should not be about proving who was right or wrong, but promoting acceptance and tolerance.

The talk will draw on his book ‘The World from Islam’, which provides an account of his personal experiences, interviews and research during 20 years of contact with Muslims and their societies.

“Most people are too busy getting on with their own lives. We need to remind people what it is that is dividing us. Acceptance is the word we have to get to.”

The talk is open to the public and will include a book signing and time for questions. It will be held at Southern Cross University’s Coffs Harbour campus on Friday, May 28, from 5.30pm to 7pm, in the D Block theatre.

For information contact Anna Bloemhard on 6659 3324.

Media contact: Brigid Veale, SCU Media Liaison, 66593006 or m. 0439 680 748.