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Keynote for Dickinson’s Multifaith Week: Public Engagement, Organizing, and the Role of Faith-Based Institutions

October 13, 2022

Michael Pappas ’83, Executive Director of San Francisco Interfaith Council.

What is the role of religious and spiritual based communities in advocacy work? In a society which is encountering Christian nationalism, religious extremism, and growing resentment of religion in the public sphere, much of higher education has sought to move away from engagement with religion.  Today's religious and spiritual communities though continue to represent some of the core realms of advocacy work and organizing.  Many in higher education attribute religion as being a topic to be avoided, but without the role of religious organizations and the compelling narratives that drive faith-based communities into activism, many in society would be left without a way to engage on larger issues of social concern.  This lecture with Dickinson alum Michael Pappas seeks to elevate a conversation around how and why religious and spiritual communities continue to matter in society, their historic as well as present work in communities, and the ways in which individuals can themselves consider careers that coalesce around religion, government, social justice, and public policy.  

The event is the final and culminating event in the weeklong annual Multifaith Week, which highlights a variety of religious communities, activities, and realm of equity and advocacy on campus and throughout society. 

This event is sponsored by the Clarke Forum for Contemporary Issues and co-sponsored by the Center for Spirituality & Social Justice, the Asbell Center for Jewish Life, and the Department of Religion.

For more information visit: https://www.clarkeforum.org/october-13-2022/

 

Further information

  • Location:
  • Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Calendar Icon
  • Cost: Free