7:30pm – 9:00pmElias Bongmba combines his teaching of African religions and his research in theology and philosophy of religion working with African philosophical ideas and continental philosophy. In his recent book," Facing a Pandemic: The African Church and the Crisis of AIDS," Dr. Bongmba addresses the HIV/AIDS crisis and calls on religious communities to work with the global community to accelerate universal access to health care and promote the search for a vaccine. Dr. Bongmba will discuss health services offered by faith-based organizations(FBOs) in Africa by focusing on continent-wide FBOs and the work of the Ecumenical Pharmaceutical Network (EPN). By highlighting EPN’s structure, procurements of essential quality drugs, training of pharmacy staff, and its relationship to other FBOs such as the Christian Health Association of Africa, Dr. Bongmba will reflect on the challenges the EPN faces and offer perspectives on possible ventures in the future. Sponsored by the Center for Spiritual Life Burchenal Lecture Series and Letters Collegium. Part of the College Program Series and 2012-13 Presidential Events Series, "Cultivating Service: People, Politics, Planet."