The Religion and Public Life Center "Religious and Civic Leader Gatherings" is a series of carefully curated events that bring together local leaders with today's major thinkers to discuss the most pressing issues facing communities in Houston. This group spans all faith traditions and is designed to build a well-informed network of leaders who make Houston a more vibrant city.
Across the country and within our own neighborhoods, faith leaders are navigating rapidly shifting cultural, political, and social landscapes. This year's Religious and Civic Leader Gatherings will focus on Leading Communities in the Midst of Change, exploring how religious and civic leaders can respond to change with wisdom, courage, and care while guiding their communities through uncertainty.
Save the dates to join us this fall for thoughtful conversations with scholars and practitioners working at the forefront of this effort:
Previous topics have included:
We would love to have you be a part of our Religious and Civic Leader Gatherings. If you are a religious or civic leader and would like more information and to be put on our invitation list, please email BoniukInstitute@rice.edu.
Religious Congregations and Finding a Way Through Polarization
On November 11th, the Boniuk Institute’s Religion and Public Life Center hosted a Religious and Civic Leaders Gathering with guest author Curtis Chang for a post-election discussion on religion, politics, and polarization.
Religion and the Media in the 2024 Presidential Election
On Wednesday, October 23rd, the Boniuk Institute’s Religion and Public Life Center hosted a Religious and Civic Leaders Gathering with guest author Diane Winston
Reflecting on Antisemitism in this Current Moment
On April 30, 2024, The Boniuk Institute's Religion and Public Life Program welcomed Oren Hayon, Senior Rabbi of Congregation Emanu El and Matthias Henze, director of Rice’s Program in Jewish Studies to a Religious and Civic Leader Gathering to discuss antisemitism in the contemporary US.
Reflecting on Islamophobia in this Current Moment
On April 16, 2024, scholar and Imam Dr. Waleed Basyouni joined the Boniuk Institute's Religion and Public Life Program for a Religious and Civic Leader Gathering exploring the current state of Islamophobia in the world today.
Better Religion with John D. Barton
On March 5, 2024, the Boniuk Institute’s Religion and Public Life Program hosted a Religious and Civic Leader Gathering featuring religion scholar John D. Barton, author of Better Religion: A Primer for Interreligious Peacebuilding.
Boniuk Institute
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Avery Franklin
Senior Media Relations Specialist
averyrf@rice.edu
