Internationally renowned faith leader to address audience in Coventry

The leader of one of Indonesia’s largest faith-based organisations with a membership of over 29 million, is set to give a free talk at Coventry University on Friday 22 March.

Professor Dr Din Syamsuddin, President of the Islamic Muhammadiyah movement in Indonesia and Chairman of the country’s Centre for Dialogue and Co-operation among Civilisations (CDCC) will be speaking at a special event hosted by the University’s new Centre for Social Relations.

Professor Syamsuddin will deliver a lecture on “The Role of Faith in Global Society”, drawing on his experience to discuss the important questions around faith in our time - both at home and abroad.

He will go on to examine how faith is perceived and understood in different cultures and what this means for encouraging peace, reconciliation and mutual understanding in areas of intercultural or interfaith dialogue. 

With the role that faith can play in fostering peace and preventing conflict across the globe more important now than ever, Professor Syamsuddin is regarded internationally as an expert in understanding the relationships in this field and encouraging positive interactions between different faiths and communities.

Professor Syamsuddin has discussed the role of faith in society at major institutions across Europe including the Vatican, and his appearance at Coventry University marks his first lecture in the West Midlands and his sole public speaking event whilst in the UK.

The University’s growing specialism in understanding social relations and human security are reasons as to why Professor Syamsuddin has chosen Coventry as the venue to give his lecture.  

Professor Mike Hardy, Director of the Centre for Social Relations said:

We are delighted that Professor Dr Din Syamsuddin has agreed to come to the University to share his thoughts on the role of faith within diverse communities, and the significance of religious pluralism for contemporary societies.

Drawing on his leadership experience and scholarship, Professor Syamsuddin provides a unique insight into the role of religion, in public space, and within the context of global discourse.

Professor Hardy will be joining the debate along with Professor Linda Woodhead, Professor in the Sociology of Religion at Lancaster University and Dr Humeira Iqtidar, Lecturer in Politics at King’s College London.

“The Role of Faith in Global Society” takes place from 6pm to 7.30pm on Friday 22 March at Coventry TechnoCentre, Puma Way, Coventry, CV1 2TW. Attendance is free but places must be booked in advance.

For further press information, please contact Mark Farnan, communications assistant, Coventry University, on +44 (0)24 7765 8245 or email mark.farnan@coventry.ac.uk.