On Saturday 20 May the University of Glasgow Faculty of Education will host a one day conference on 'Reading The Da Vinci Code'. By exploring scripture, history, art and literature lecturers will help sort fact from fiction and answer the many questions raised by Dan Brown's controversial novel.

Including five lectures on subjects such as the Holy Grail, Mary Magdalene and Leonardo Da Vinci's painting The Last Supper, the conference is aimed at providing an academically rigorous response to issues raised by Dan Brown's novel.

Lecturers on the day include Professor Patrick Reilly who recently made and distributed a DVD to schools and parishes criticising the film of The Da Vinci Code.

Dr Bob Davis of Glasgow University's Department of Religious Education, who will be giving a talk on the Holy Grail, said of the event: 'We want to enable people to make an informed decision on claims made in The Da Vinci Code rather than accept all the ideas presented by Dan Brown. Academics can be snooty about popular fiction and popular ideas but we hope this shows we are ready to engage with the issues.'

Conference Chair Fr Gordian Marshall O.P., of Glasgow University's Department of Religious Education, added: 'This conference offers students and academics, as well as parents and teachers, a unique opportunity to study the realities behind the Da Vinci Code'.

Tickets are £10 (£7.50 concessions) which includes lunch and coffee. To reserve a place please contact Mrs E Brown on 0141 330 3434 or email re@educ.gla.ac.uk

Kate Richardson (K.richardson@admin.gla.ac.uk)

For more information contact the University of Glasgow Media Relations Office on 0141 330 3683 or email K.Richardson@admin.gla.ac.uk

First published: 16 May 2006