Presidential Address: Violence, Nonviolence, and the Margin

Every day, we encounter violence—whether through war, police brutality, sexual assault, or gun violence—and these acts directly or indirectly overshadow our lives. Violence is not limited to physical and visible forms; it is embedded in the structure of our society, our thinking, and our language. How should we respond to violence? Can violence solve the problems caused by violence? Is nonviolence an effective response to pervasive violence?

This year's presidential address delves into the meaning and value of nonviolence and its relevance in contemporary society. Violence is often intertwined with a hierarchical view of beings and their worth, which frequently results in the marginalization and oppression of those on the periphery. This raises a critical question: Has religion aligned itself with those at the center or those on the margins? What guidance does it offer to both the center and the margins? In this talk, I invite you to re-envision nonviolence and reconsider the relationship between the margin and the center as a crucial step toward fostering a more equitable and humane society.