This website is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Gerard A Vanderharr (1931-2005), author of six books on nonviolence as well as numerous articles and other publications. He was Professor Emeritus of Religion and Peace Studies at Christian Brothers University in Memphis, Tennessee,  where he taught for 28 years. The Vanderhaar Symposium was founded in honor of Dr. Vanderhaar who spent his lifetime promoting peace through active nonviolence. The symposium seeks to continue his legacy by bringing to Memphis a noted scholar or peace activist each year  to address social and moral issues related to peace and justice and/or Catholic social teaching. Also, as part of the symposium, a mid-south area college student will be honored with the Gerard A. Vanderhaar Student Peace Award. This award is presented to a student who best exemplifies the spirit and practice of active nonviolence, consistent with Dr. Vanderhaar’s life and work.

Hundreds of attendees were enlightened by the words of Dr. Ada Maria Isasi-Diaz, who spoke on Compassion and Solidarity: Struggling for Justice, Building Peace. She addressed the urgent need to heal enmity and bridge rifts between persons and among communities and nations. Since the 1980s, Dr. Isasi-Diaz has focused on the elaboration of mujerista theology based on the religious understandings and practices of Latinas living in the U.S. She lectures internationally on issues of justice and theology. The Vanderhaar Symposium was greatly honored to have a woman of such great renown as our featured speaker. Our thanks to First Congregational Church for providing such a lovely, peaceful space and for welcoming us so graciously into their beautiful church.