The Westheimer Peace Symposium continues this week as Father Paul Abernathy addresses "Acquiring Peace in the Crucible of War" Tuesday (Sept. 12), at 7 p.m. ,in the McCoy Room of Kelly Center. Wilmington College's 33rd annual Symposium is focusing on “Peace and the Nature of War,” through the topic of “Combat Trauma and Healing,” during four programs in September.
The Rev. Abernathy is an Orthodox Christian priest and the founding CEO of the Neighborhood Resilience Project. Since 2011, he has labored with his community to address this complicated war wound with trauma-informed community development. It represents a framework that facilitates the transformation of trauma-affected communities to resilient, healing and healthy communities so that people can be healthy enough to sustain opportunities and realize their potential.
Interested persons are encouraged to pre-register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/703547578747?aff=oddtdtcreator
The year's Symposium poses the questions: How can veterans heal from violent and traumatic experiences carried out in a time of war? How do soldiers experience the transition from the military environment to civilian life after experiencing traumatic events in war? What is the responsibility of the state and society to help veterans reintegrate and resume emotionally healthy and stable lives? Knowing the costs to soldiers and veterans, what is the state's and society's responsibility to prevent violent conflict?