I am writing to you as the research assistant for two projects headed by Professor Graham Oppy (Monash University) and Dr Nick Trakakis (Australian Catholic University). The first, Philosophies of Religions: Multi-Faith Dialogues, is an innovative and ambitious interfaith project in which twenty leading philosophers of religion each representing a separate faith tradition are being brought together from around the globe to interact in an ongoing dialogue over a two-year period. Work generated by these interactions will be edited by the project heads and published by Acumen Press as a four-volume series. The other related enterprise, Christian Philosophies of Religion: Intra-Faith Dialogues, is conducted in a similar vein but on a smaller scale, with six prominent scholars engaging within an intra-faith context; these exchanges will also be published by Acumen Press. (Please refer to the attachment for a more detailed summary of the two projects.)

Funding for the core costs of the twin ventures is being provided by the Australian Research Council (AU$173,000) (www.arc.gov.au). However, the project organisers also plan to bring together all the philosophers from both projects at a conference in Melbourne in 2012 so that the thinkers may participate in face-to-face dialogue, thereby facilitating greater mutual understanding and communication, and significantly enriching the form and content of the exchanges.

As the scholars are contributing much of their time and expertise to this project, we intend to cover all their basic travel and accommodation expenses, which are estimated at AU$95,221.50 (please refer to the attachment for an itemized budget). Unfortunately, the ARC funding does not cover the cost of the conference. We are therefore seeking funding from a range of bodies (including interfaith groups and governmental agencies) so that this unique, dynamic, and productive event may be held. We would be most grateful if you could make a financial contribution to our project, conditional on subsequent agreement between us about the scale of your contribution. (In the event that we do not secure the required amount, any contribution that you make will automatically be refunded.)

As the conference will contribute to the pertinent and contentious question of religious pluralism, it is sure to generate mainstream and alternative media attention, which should have the flow-on effect of promoting the event’s sponsors. Furthermore, the participants will be encouraged to pursue a range of media activities during their time in Melbourne (e.g. public appearances, appearances on radio/television, functions with local ethnic/religious communities, etc.) which should bring further exposure to the conference and its sponsors.

We appreciate your consideration of this request, and we look forward to hearing from you.

On behalf of Professor Graham Oppy and Dr N.N. Trakakis,

Mark Manolopoulos

*****************************
Dr Mark Manolopoulos
BTheol BA(Hons) PhD
School of Philosophical,
Historical and
International Studies
MONASH UNIVERSITY
Melbourne Australia
Phone:
614 1333 4466 (int’nal)
0413 334 466 (local)
*****************************

At first i Should thank you to setup such a weblog.My only request is about alerting the upcoming conferences related to islamic or any humanity topics.

BEST REGARDS,

Councilor of International & Scientific Cooperation Office
Academy of Islamic Sciences and Culture

Website: http://www.isca.ac.ir
Email: academy.qom@gmail.com
Tel & Fax: +98 – 251 – 783 3904
Mobile: +98 – 935 424 3436 (Mr. Gharachorloo)
Qom, Iran

The above website gives information and the chance to add your name