The Foundation for Interreligious Diplomacy (FID) is pleased to announce the formation of its Mormon Chapter, with Utah Valley University professor Brian D. Birch as the chapter director. Birch is director of UVU’s Religious Studies program and is an associate professor of philosophy who specializes in religious pluralism, comparative theology, and the ethical dimensions of interreligious dialogue. He also has strong credentials in Mormon studies, serving as editor of the Society of Mormon Philosophy and Theology’s journal, Element, as well as being on the board of directors for Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought and the steering committee of the Mormon Studies Consultation in the American Academy of Religion. He is also currently completing a book, Mormonism and Christian Thought, which is slated for publication by Oxford University Press in 2010.
“Brian Birch knows how to respect those who disagree with him,” says Randall Paul, president of the Foundation for Interreligious Diplomacy. “His interest in other religions makes him a great listener. He is a natural interreligious diplomat, a believing Latter-day Saint interested in finding and clarifying truth from all sources.”
Birch adds: “I’m delighted to be part of the Foundation and to contribute to constructive interreligious dialogue. Latter-day Saints have been the object of increasing interest and scrutiny of late. This chapter will create opportunities for candid and engaging discussions and the opportunity for both sides to learn from the other.”
Birch will work to attract religiously bi-lingual members of the Mormon Chapter of FID to develop dialogue programs with particular religious groups that want to engage more deeply with Mormonism.
Read More from April 2009 Press Release at Foundation for Interreligious Diplomacy
I hope this works out. The last Standing Together Conference was a good step forward and I was glad Birch was a big part of it. I am a lot more optimistic and positive about Birch than I am about Millet. Birch seems more honest about some tough issues, and he seems to value the kind of hearty “contestation” that others seem less willing to weather.
The only thing I am concerned about is that things like this typically woefully underrepresent Mormon traditionalism. Let’s get Joseph Fielding McConkie in the mix!
Thanks for the comment Aaron. I’m quite excited about this development and I think Birch is a perfect fit.