Reflections on the Eight Principles, 5th Principle: The Right of Conscience and the Use of the Democratic Process Within Our Congregations and in Society at Large
the Rev Dr Mark Y.A. Davies, leading
Download the morning program here or read it below without having to download it.
The evidence is overwhelming that communities with vibrant participatory democratic processes in which the value and conscience of all persons are respected are the most just, peaceful, flourishing, and sustainable communities in the world. How can UUs model the importance of the right of conscience and participatory democracy in our society where so many persons seem drawn to autocratic leaders and practices?
About our visiting minister:
Mark Davies is the Wimberly Professor of Social and Ecological Ethics and Director of the World House Institute for Social and Ecological Responsibility at Oklahoma City University. He is the Executive Director of the Leadership, Education, and Development (LEaD) Hub North America of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church and an Oklahoma Humanities State Scholar. Mark has published in the areas of Boston personalism, process philosophy and ethics, and ecological ethics. Dr. Davies serves on the United Methodist University Senate, which is “an elected body of professionals in higher education created by the General Conference to determine which schools, colleges, universities, and theological schools meet the criteria for listing as institutions affiliated with The United Methodist Church.” He and his wife Kristin live in Edmond, OK in the United States, and they have two daughters. The views expressed by the author in this blog do not necessarily represent the views of Oklahoma City University or the United Methodist Church.