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MECO Annual Conference

13/05/2010

Critical thinkers for islamic reform - the way forward

University of Oxford
St. Anne's College
Oxford, OX2 6HS

11th – 13th June 2010

This year MECO’s annual conference focusses on Critical Thinkers for Islamic Reform – The Way Forward. It will be held at St Anne’s College, Oxford University, 11-13 June 2010. The participants and panelists of this important conference recognize the urgent need and imperative for fundamental reformation and rejuvenation throughout the Muslim world. These independent thinkers, scholars, activists and others from the UK and abroad agree upon the urgency of re-examining the theology and traditions of Islam and to review contemporary Muslim attitudes and actions so that we can align ourselves more faithfully to the Holy Qur’an in the light of reason and logic.

The five principle objectives of this major international conference are:

  • Diagnose and contextualize the theological, intellectual, cultural and political malaise that has contributed to the degeneration and decline of global Muslim civilization.
  • Critically analyse the political, cultural, economic and psychological mindset of contemporary Muslim society around the world and its interaction with other peoples and communities.
  • Explore and dissect the geopolitical strategy of globalization and the total hegemony of the great powers in the Muslim heartland and elsewhere.
  • Propose pragmatic solutions and formulate effective short, medium and long term projects to foster progressive Islamic reform in both the personal realm and social domain.
  • Facilitate the opportunity for reform-minded Muslims from around the world to meet, exchange ideas and develop constructive alliances for the future.

The affordable registration fee for this three-day intensive conference for all delegates is only £50. This includes the specified meals, break refreshments and entertainment found in the programme below. Seating is limited and will be awarded on a first come basis. So book early and register with MECO (admin@meco.org.uk). We look forward to seeing you at this ground breaking event next month.

Provisional Conference Schedule

Critical thinkers for islamic reform – the way forward

Friday, 11th June 2010 
1:00 pm – 2:00 pmSalat al-Jumu’ah Congregational Prayers Sermon and Service conducted by Professor Amina Wadud
2:30 pm – 3:30 pmConference Registration
3:30 pm – 4:00 pmWelcome and Introduction
4:00 pm - 5:30 pmPanel I The Paradigm of Islamic Reform – History and Heritage
5:30 pm – 6:00 pmRefreshment Break & Prayers
6:00 pm – 7:30 pmPanel II Theological and Philosophical Imperatives for Islamic Reform
8:00 pm – 10:30 pmDinner and First Keynote Speaker followed by performance by Jeff
Mirza, renowned Muslim comedian
  
Saturday, 12th June 2010 
9:30 am – 11:00 amPanel III New Qur’anic Hermeneutics, Muslim Law and Islamic Reformation
11:00 am – 11:30 pmRefreshment Break
11:30 – 1:00 pm Panel IV Islam, Science, Culture and Freedom – Towards a Muslim Renaissance
1:00 pm – 2:30 pmLunch & Prayers
Second Keynote Speaker
2:30 pm - 4:00 pm Panel V Gender, Sexuality & Human Rights in Islamic Discourse
4:00 pm – 4:30 pmRefreshment Break
4:30 pm – 6:00 pm Panel VI Media, War on Terror & Western Foreign Policy
7 pm – 10 pmDinner
Third Keynote Speaker (Followed by entertainment provided
by Muslim musicians)
  
Sunday, 13th June 2010 
9:00 pm – 10:30 am Panel VII Muslim economics and entrepreneurship in revitalising Islamic creativity
10:30 am - 11:00 pm Refreshment Break
11:00 pm – 12:30 am Panel VIII Democracy, Justice, Tolerance and Reason – Prerequisites for Reform
12:30 am – 1:00 pmLight lunch
1 pm - 3:00 pm Panel IX Workshop / Round Table Pragmatic Steps Towards IslamicReform
3:00pm – 3:30 pm Conclusion and Farewell

* The full list of panelists, speakers and delegates from both the uk and overseas will be announced next week.

In the meantime, register for the meco conference (admin@meco.org.uk) as seating is strictly limited.