Cultures of hierarchy maintain authority by claiming ontological distinction. The power and dominance inherent in hierarchy, which directly conflict with ontological equality, perpetuates abuse. This session will examine the abuse that results from hierarchical human relationships and the biblical response to dominance.

Plenary Session, 38 mins.
Building Biblical Community: Transforming Sex, Power, and Prejudice
CBE 2011 International Conference, Seattle, Washington, USA

Richard Howell (PhD, Intercultural Open University, Netherlands), is the general secretary of the Asia Evangelical Alliance and Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI) and committee member of the Global Christian Forum. He is involved in several forums dealing with justice, reconciliation, communal harmony, and the role of minority communities in nation-building. He is married to Sunita, and they have three daughters: Malini, Freeda, and Sabrina.