CONFERENCE
Government and Faith-Based Communities:
Working Together to Build a Civil Society

Decmber 18, 2006

Conference co-sponsored by
Loyola Marymount University,
Claremont Graduate University and
His Highness Prince Aga Khan Shia Imami Ismaili
 Council for the Western United States

Civil society is portrayed as a critical component of a flourishing democracy to ensure that issues of interest to the public are debated, that voluntary associations of like-minded individuals can be created and that organizations exist to assist those whom the governments cannot or will not reach. It is in the nature of these groups to act in the public good or to promote the interest of their members, whether in education, health, science and research, and include professional, commercial, labor, cultural, ethnic, art and other organizations.

A civil society provides guiding principles in its quest for caring for humanity and providing social order through the voluntary involvement of individuals working for a common good. What are the ethical premises for faith-based communities and their institutions? What inspiration do they draw on from their sacred texts? How do these faith traditions relate to each other? Is there a way for greater dialogue between their organizations, perhaps leading to understanding between them? Can such understanding lead to collaboration between them in providing services to those in need? What influence should these organizations have on government agencies and policy? How should/could the government and faith-based institutions work together for the public good?

These issues will be discussed by the panelists and the audience will be encouraged to engage them and each other. It is hoped that participants will continue the discussion over dinner and use the opportunity to meet others present.