Conversations in Conflict Studies- An Olive Agenda: Transforming Conflict through Economics, Ecology and Faith

Brian E. Konkol, Dean of Hendricks Chapel, Syracuse University. This presentation will explore how faith communities can promote an “Olive Agenda” that transforms the conflict between “brown agendas” of economic opportunity and “green agendas” of environmental sustainability. While both the brown and green agendas are essential for the promotion of life, the proponents of each seem to be at odds with adherents of the other. For example, far too many with a “brown agenda” believe that the best way to reduce poverty is to reduce environmental controls, and to the contrary, those engaged with the “green agenda” too often place the needs of the Earth before the livelihoods of the poor and marginalized. An Olive Agenda — one that combines green and brown — provides a profound metaphor that, according to the late Steve de Gruchy, “ …holds together that which religious and political discourse rends apart: Earth, land, climate, labor, time, family, food, nutrition, health, hunger, poverty, power and violence.”

Conversations in Conflict Studies is a weekly educational speaker series for students, faculty, and the community. The series, sponsored by PARCC, draws its speakers from Syracuse University faculty, national and international scholars and activists, and PhD students. Pizza is served. Follow us on Twitter @PARCCatMaxwell, tweet #ConvoInConflict.

If you require accommodations, please contact Deborah Toole by email at datoole@syr.edu or by phone at 315.443.2367.