In response to recent natural and man-made disasters around the world, the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the brothers of Sigma Phi Epsilon at the University of Tennessee at Martin will sponsor, “Faith in the Face of Disaster,” at 7 p.m., Feb. 3, in the UC legislative chambers. The event is free and open to the public.

“Faith In the Face of Disaster” is a panel discussion, which will help to enlighten people about the way in which different faiths interpret life. The panel will consist of representatives from various religious affiliations, including Joel Newman, Judaism; Dr. Tahira Arshed, Muslim; Richard Saunders, Mormon; Michael Riley, Buddhism; Brendan Sweetman, Maori; J.J. Kent, Lakota Indian and Jane Ogg, Baptist.

The panel discussion will begin with each panelist briefly describing the basic principles of their faith. The moderator, Luther T. Mercer II, director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs, will then address the panel individually and as a group on the way in which their faiths cope with disaster. Finally, the audience will be allowed to ask questions regarding current events, such as the recent tsunami in Southeast Asia and East Africa, the genocidal tragedy in Darfur and Sudan, which have had far reaching effects on humanity.