HIU Student Presents at BTI Conference

Hartford International University student Hayden Shaw was recently selected as one of five presenters at the Boston Theological Interreligious Consortium (BTI) event “Liberation Across the Traditions.” The same weekend, he also presented a paper at “Accessing the Divine: Religious Sources of Resilience in an Age of Political Turmoil,” a graduate conference co-sponsored by Boston College’s Boisi Center and the BTI.

Hayden, who will complete a Certificate in Interreligious Leadership through the BTI this spring, credits the program with opening doors for academic engagement. 

"The Interreligious Leadership Certificate program was a profoundly enriching experience, expanding my academic and professional horizons well beyond my initial expectations," he said. "Engaging with the broader interreligious academic network introduced me to valuable graduate conferences, professional mentorships and values-aligned colleagues, and publication opportunities I previously did not know existed."

His presentation at "Liberation Across the Traditions" was called “Liberation Beyond Purity.” It explored liberation as a complex, relational process that demands engagement with one’s contexts, encountering differences openly, and risking transformation for mutual flourishing. 

“I integrated ecological perspectives and Christian liberation theology to develop this framing,” he said.

Additionally, Hayden gained valuable insights from fellow student presenters representing Buddhist, Catholic, Jewish, and Muslim traditions from institutions such as Boston College, Harvard, and Hebrew College. 

"The central insight for me was the common emphasis on liberation as fundamentally relational and contextual, underscoring the importance of our active participation with life, one another, and the divine, and recognizing that the quality of these interactions matters profoundly,” he said. 

Eager to encourage fellow students, Hayden emphasized the value of BTI opportunities. 

"I would highly recommend exploring the certificate programs offered through the BTI. Many HIU courses qualify toward the certificate requirements, with the primary additional commitments being a few cohort gatherings and a January intensive.”

Students interested in learning more can reach out to Hayden directly at Hayden.D.Shaw@gmail.com. 

Congratulations, Hayden!