Written by Abby Kellett
Peace by Piece, a student-driven theological conference, was officially denied Harding sponsorship Wednesday, Dec. 2, after the university took issue with the listed speakers and lecture topics. The student planning committee is now considering local churches and schools as alternative Searcy venues.
The Peace by Piece conference is intended to create opportunity for theological dialogue on how Christians can engage with society in creative and collective ways. Author of “How (Not) to Speak of God” Peter Rollins and co-author of “Jesus for President” Chris Haw, among others, will deliver keynote addresses, and classes will cover topics ranging from holistic ministry to composting.
The student conference directors, Dave Pritchett and Zac Seagle, had been in talks with deans regarding Harding’s involvement, but the university withdrew its involvement with an official statement citing concerns with theological topics and speakers that might “contradict the core values and mission of the school.” Other reservations included speakers who were “unknown to administrators” and descriptions of the program which were “vague and open to widely different meanings.”
Barring a change in the university’s position, the conference cannot be held on the university premises.
“The conference is not allowed to be on campus because ‘the ideas of the Peace by Piece conference do not coincide with the values of Harding,'” vendor coordinator and public relations committee head junior Kayla Maynard said. “We are still trying to talk with the deans, but it looks like we’re going to have to move the conference.”
Though the new location of the conference has not yet been decided, the student planning committee will continue arranging food, housing and advertising. Other organized activities include an art gallery; a sacramental meal; and a performance by Void Collective, a multi-media art group who use live music, art, spoken word and personal reflections to engage questions of faith and doubt. Acoustic singer-songwriter and Harding alumnus Michael Wright will perform Saturday night, Feb. 6.
The conference is hosted by the Khora Project, a nonprofit organization created to encourage and facilitate the formation of communities to work in settings with poor resources, and is being planned and organized by a planning committee of 10 Harding students. The committee hopes that the conference will be “a space for creative dialogue about how to form and nourish communities who live with an end toward shalom,” Khora Project founder Dave Pritchett said.
Many Harding students have already expressed interest in the conference. The Peace by Piece Facebook group has more than 200 confirmed attendees, with more than 300 still considering registering for the event. Students are receiving invitations through both e-mails and Facebook to join in the efforts to promote the event despite the venue change.
“I think many students, myself included, are searching for a way to live out their worldview, talents and dreams with a Christian perspective,” advertising leader junior Ashley Reeves said. “I think this conference will provide new ideas about what that might look like.”
Many of the students involved in planning the event said they feel passionate about the cause it supports and will forge ahead without Harding’s sponsorship.
“I believe that the desire to change the world can best be fulfilled by changing your corner of it,” Pritchett said. “I hope that this conference will engage and equip people to do so.”
The Khora Project is built on the belief that justice, peace and virtue do not stem from either broad legislation or haphazard living, but from the daily work of people living together with intention and patience. Maynard agrees.
“Social justice is a tangible task that is often dismissed and an issue that I personally dismissed for a long time,” Maynard said. “But it’s a real way to show people the way the gospel can be lived.”
The conference is being held Feb. 5 through 7with 10 different speakers, various classes and other activities meant to challenge and inspire Christians. Harding students can register for $15, or $40 for the four-people group rate. For more information about the Peace by Piece conference, visit the Web site at www.pbpconference.org, or contact Dave Pritchett atdmpritchett@harding.edu.
