*Actual momentum on Global Conference*
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I think something as extremely volatile as this should have heavily armed security patrolling the premises. I can see this going haywire VERY easily. It would be profoundly stupid to not have strong security in this case and certainly the organisers would have to answer to the Supreme for any such lapses.
And spend in the way of Allah, and do not cast into ruin with your own hands; and do good, Allah surely loves the doers of good - 2195
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Peace,
Security is important but doable. For events such as this a university, college, or Interfaith group would be ideal. It depends on how the event is organized and who will be presenting. There are many renowned scholars in the States that may be interested in presenting. My concern is that to plan and organize such an event for this year will be tough due to time constraints. May want to think about having the event in the fall or next year.
Vicky
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I agree with what hvickys said, such a conference would attract a lot of good and bad attention from everywhere and security would be a crucial in order to safeguard the attendees and organizers from possible harassments and violence. Perhaps we need more time to plan for this conference and make it a really good and safe one for all who are attending and all who will be rooting for you guys at the conference. Its something the international community of Quranists can look forward to.
Peace.
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Global conference is what we need to bring people together. Is there a team that is working on the event? Would they be calling for papers? Would there be any opportunity for debates? Sorry for all the questions. We have many renowned Quran alone scholars do you know of any that would come? I believe there are also talk about plans to have a conference in Vancouver this year. Any way we can work together on such an event?
Hope to hear more about this event soon. Lets make this happen God willing.
Peace
Vicky
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Salaam I would be interested if it fits into my summer holidays (July 16th - August 28th). It would be great to have options to attend plenary sessions (main presentations) as well as smaller workshop sessions. May be the organisers could post a call for suggested workshop topics and facilitators, and choose the most popular topics??? Lena
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May I suggest Washington DC instead of Atlanta. This is due to a few reasons
- Relatively large local population of both regular but open minded sectarians as well as quran alone peacemakers.
- Within short driving distance of NY, NJ and Philly, which similarly have a large population of those groups.
- Attract the attention of US policy makers and show them that there is a rapidly growing community that represents the reformist movement that will eventually take the sectarians out of the dark ages.
- Attract the attention of diplomatic missions from all over the world who are based in DC.
- Attract a much wider media attention.
- Attract the many NGOs and think tanks pushing for reform and democracy in the Middle East. All of them are based in DC.
With respect to the timing, there are two considerations
- Airfare from Europe is more expensive in July and August. So if reducing expenses for attendees from Europe is important then have it before mid-June before airfares start going up.
- If making it coincide with the time when most people are on vacation is the primary consideration then August is more appropriate.
Peace,
Ayman
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May I suggest Washington DC instead of Atlanta. This is due to a few reasons
- Relatively large local population of both regular but open minded sectarians as well as quran alone peacemakers.
- Within short driving distance of NY, NJ and Philly, which similarly have a large population of those groups.
- Attract the attention of US policy makers and show them that there is a rapidly growing community that represents the reformist movement that will eventually take the sectarians out of the dark ages.
- Attract the attention of diplomatic missions from all over the world who are based in DC.
- Attract a much wider media attention.
- Attract the many NGOs and think tanks pushing for reform and democracy in the Middle East. All of them are based in DC.
With respect to the timing, there are two considerations
- Airfare from Europe is more expensive in July and August. So if reducing expenses for attendees from Europe is important then have it before mid-June before airfares start going up.
- If making it coincide with the time when most people are on vacation is the primary consideration then August is more appropriate.
Peace,
Ayman
Peace
I like your suggestion Ayman and the points you have made to support holding it in Washington DC.