For Immediate Release January 27, 2005

For More Information Contact: Diane Brown, 317-274-7711 habrown@iupui.edu

Taylor Symposium Explores Blessing/Flop of Faith-based Initiatives

INDIANAPOLIS - "Faith-based initiatives: Boon or Bust?"

That's the question facing presidential advisor and former Indianapolis Mayor Stephen Goldsmith and others during the 16th annual Joseph Taylor Symposium at IUPUI on Wednesday, Feb. 16.

The symposium will be held from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., at the University Place Conference Center, 850 W. Michigan St.

Goldsmith, who serves as President Bush's advisor on faith-based and not-for-profit, and University of Arizona Professor Mark Chaves, author of the recently published "Congregations in America," are the guest speakers for the luncheon session which begins at noon.

The symposium also includes morning and afternoon panel discussions. Panelists include Emerson Allen Jr., faith-based coordinator, City of Indianapolis ; Rabbi Arnold Bienstock, Congregation Shaarey Tefilla; Rev. Ivan Hicks, First Baptist Church of North Indianapolis; Rev. Elaine Walters, Eastern Star Church; and IUPUI professors Shelia Suess Kennedy and Larry Smith.

Symposium attendance is free and open to the public; however tickets and reservations are required for lunch. Deadline for lunch reservations is Feb. 8. Lunch tickets are $30 per person, or $25 if purchased before Jan. 31. To register for lunch tickets, call (317) 274-3280 or e-mail hfuller@iupui.edu. ###