PHILADELPHIA (March 31, 2008) – Noted theologian James H. Cone, Ph.D., founder of Black Liberation Theology, will present a lecture titled "Wrestling with the Cries of the Oppressed"at Saint Joseph's University on Fri., April 4, from 4 – 6 p.m. in the Presidents' Lounge of Campion Student Center. The event commemorates the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
"Cone's unique approach to theology has influenced scholars in many other disciplines,"said Arnold Farr, Ph.D. 
associate professor of philosophy and director of Africana studies at Saint Joseph's University. "Today, we hear of scholars working in the area of liberation philosophy, liberation psychology, liberation sociology and others.”
Cone, an ordained minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, is the Charles A. Briggs Distinguished Professor of Systematic Theology Union Theological Seminary in New York City. Dr. Cone has been conferred eight honorary degrees, including a Doctor of Divinity from Garret-Evangelical Theological Seminary. He is the author of a dozen books and 150 articles; his most recent book is Risks of Faith: The Emergence of a Black Theology of Liberation (Beacon Press, 1999.) He began liberation theology in the aftermath of Dr. King's assassination.
The event is co-sponsored by Africana studies; Office of the Dean, College of Arts and Sciences; Office of the President; Office of the Provost; Office of Mission, Office of Multicultural Life; the departments of philosophy and theology; and the University of Pennsylvania's department of Africana studies.
Background: Founded by the Society of Jesus in 1851, Saint Joseph's University advances the professional and personal ambitions of men and women by providing a demanding, yet supportive, educational experience. One of only 139 schools with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter and AACSB business school accreditation, Saint Joseph's is home to 4,200 full-time undergraduates and 3,100 graduate, part-time and doctoral students. Steeped in the 450-year Jesuit tradition of scholarship and service, Saint Joseph's was recently named to the 2007 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for General Community Service. The University strives to be recognized as the preeminent Catholic comprehensive university in the Northeast.
-30-
Contact: Patricia Allen, Associate Director of University Communications, 610-660-3240, patricia.allen@sju.edu.