Michael Trice, executive associate for ecumenical and inter-religious relations for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the Lutheran World Federation, will be the featured speaker at Southwestern College’s Honors Convocation Saturday, May 8, at 4 p.m. in Richardson Auditorium in the Christy Administration Building.
           
Trice is an ELCA participant in the inter-faith task force on dialogue and cooperation at the White House in Washington, D.C.  He is also on the steering committee overseeing the new union between the United Methodist Church and the ELCA.
           
“Within our Christian history, the agreement between the United Methodist Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church to share resources on the basis of common theological ground is a monumental event,” says Andy Sheppard, vice president for academic affairs and dean of faculty at Southwestern College.  “We are fortunate to have Mike represent that union and to share his views of reconciliation, peace, and justice with our students.  He is a valuable voice for all of us as we embrace the future.”
           
Trice has been published numerous times including his forthcoming book, “Encountering Cruelty: A Fracture at the Heart of Western Christianity.” 
           
“Michael Trice has done a great service to the worldwide community of those who are seeking new pathways into reconciliation and healing by presenting this pioneering study on cruelty,” says Robert Schreiter, professor of theology at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.  “There has never been a study in theology examining cruelty of this length and depth.” 
           
Among the many professional memberships and services Trice has provided include chair of the World Council of Churches Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Formation task force, executive steering committee for Religions for Peace U.S.A., chair of the Muslim-Christian National Initiative, co-chair of the Jewish-Christian National Dialogue Table in the United States, and a member of the board of directors for the Church World Service.
           
There is no admission charge.  For more information call (620) 229-6223.