Three prominent spiritual leaders from Connecticut discussed religious sensitivity and approaches to peace in the first edition of a series of talks hosted at NVCC, sponsored by the College’s newly-formed Center for Racial Dialogue and Communal Transformation.

“I am indebted to Professor Joseph Faryniarz, Professor Kathy Taylor, and Dean Antonio Santiago, and many other colleagues for their leadership in bringing about this event, “said NVCC President Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D.

Rabbi Eric Polokoff, B‘Nai Israel provided a background and a brief history on Judaism, and spoke about the increase in hateful acts in society and the Torah’s perspective on the importance of taking action in seeking social justice instead of standing by idly during such fraught times.

Deacon Robert Pallotti, Archdiocese of Hartford, discussed the threat that racism continues to pose in our society. “If organized religion is to have a future in the West, and in highly technical societies of the world, they must not be seen as promoting any form of war or aggression, persecution, racial hatred, or anything that assaults human dignity,” said Palotti.

Imam Gazemend Aga, of the Albanian American Muslim Community focused his talk on how to act in times of strength and weakness.

The event was moderated by NVCC Professor Joseph Faryniarz. The Center will host future events that encourage dialogue on race and communal transformation.