The Australian’s Foreign Editor to speak on role of religion in modern nation

The Australian's Foreign Editor, Greg Sheridan, will explore what role religion can or should play in a modern nation at a free public lecture at Deakin University's Melbourne City Centre on Thursday, September 22.

Organiser and Post Doctoral Research Fellow, Dr Samuel Koehne, said Mr Sheridan had written actively and constructively on the question of religion in modern society in a variety of ways through his articles in The Australian.

"Religion is increasingly becoming a feature of public discussion particularly around the role of Islam in various nations Australia included, "Dr Koehne said.

"Irrespective of faith, there is a great deal of angst and concern about the subject of religion, but why is religion of concern?

"Indeed, is it an issue of religion specifically, that creates this concern?

"The very definition of religion as a 'problem' shows certain assumptions that are made about a possible disconnection between religious faith and the modern state.

"But the reasons as to why need to be interrogated, particularly in the political sphere."

Dr Koehne said the lecture was being sponsored by the Alfred Deakin Research Institute.

"The Institute aims to contribute to public debate and public policy through its research and other activities," he said.

"Mr Sheridan's lecture provides a forum to address a topic which is very much on both the national and international agenda."

Further information:

Greg Sheridan is interviewed on ABC's Compass as part of the 9/11 ten years on program.Click here to view

Time: 6pm

Venue: Conference Theatre, Deakin University Melbourne City Centre, Level 3/ 550 Bourke Street (Melways Ref: 43 F8).