Understanding Religious Freedom | Spring 2017

3

A p u b l i ca t i o n of t h e Ce nte r for the S tud y of Religious Freedom at Virgin ia Wes leyan College | S P R I N G 2017

Mediating Religious Conflict P R O G R A M M I N G & P A R T N E R S H I P S | NEW INITIATIVES | C A L E N D A R O F E V E N T S

1

P R O G R A M M I N G & PA RT N E R S H I P S

Mediating Religious Conflict T

his spring, a new religious studies course, “Mediating Religious Conflict,” highlights the kinds of conflicts, disagreements, and differences that exist between and among religions in the United States. Taught by CSRF Director Dr. Craig Wansink, the class blends course work, mediation training, and interreligious experiences, and aims to prepare students for meaningful engagement with the religious diversity around us.

In short, the course tries to move beyond a particular theological perspective, so as to look at those areas where religious conflicts exist, and then to think about how to break through poor communication and have substantive dialogue. More significantly it seeks to develop the skills and dispositions that students can use to more fully empathize with others’ perspectives, to negotiate the challenges created by differences, and to create opportunities for meaningful interfaith dialogue, cooperation, and action.

In some respects the course tries to address—head on—the lack of meaningful dialogue about very important issues. When issues like homosexuality, abortion, or Palestinian rights arise, dividing lines too frequently are drawn almost immediately. How can we begin to communicate with individuals whose perspectives not only may differ from our own, but also may deeply offend us?

Members of the community are invited to join discussions with several guest speakers. The guest speakers will discuss issues of religion, reflect on their respective faith perspectives, and share personal stories about lived experiences.

As always, our speakers’ perspectives are intended to invite civil discussion and dialogue, but don’t necessarily reflect the policy or position of Virginia Wesleyan College. Please join us for these special opportunities to build bridges of understanding between people of different worldviews.

ALL DISCUSSIONS ARE HELD ON THURSDAYS FROM 7-8:15 PM IN BLOCKER HALL AUDITORIUM. FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

February 23

What is Tantric Sex? Sam Grimes has studied South Asian religions at the University of Hawaii,

classical India religions and Sanskrit at Oxford University, and most recently ritual and ritual theory with the Vajrācāryas, the tantric Buddhist priests of Kathmandu.

“Tantra” in the West usually means one thing – long, ritualized, and exotic sex. The reality is much more complex than lovemaking. This talk explores how tantric practices have everything to do with eliminating all desire through clearly defined stages of sexual “bliss,” leading to ultimate liberation from suffering.

Support for both this program and “The Origins of Modern Yoga” talk on April 27 is provided by The Lighthouse: Center for Exploration & Discovery at VWC.

March 2

Talking about Abortion and Faith: Anti-Abortion Reasoning and Effective Communication Jacqueline Hawkins, Director of Minority Outreach, Center for Bio-Ethical Reform

How to begin to have constructive dialogue or conversation about an issue as contentious as abortion? Ms. Hawkins will discuss the reasoning behind the anti-abortion stance and how – in her work – she seeks to communicate facts and issues from a philosophical and scientific standpoint. She will highlight communication techniques that her organization has found effective both in heated, hostile environments as well as in more familiar situations with family and friends.

March 9

Defending Life: When Might Faith Justify Violence or the Use of Force?

Rev. Donald Spitz is the spokesperson for the anti-abortion organization

Army of God, and has also been a spiritual advisor to Paul Hill, Eric Rudolph, Michael Bray, Shelley Shannon, and Scott Roeder, each of whom has used force against abortion providers and clinics.

This conversation between Dr. Wansink and Rev. Spitz focuses on Spitz’s life, calling, and perspectives. Since not all Christians are pacifists, a broader conversation will focus on the question: In what circumstances or situations might faith justify violence or the use of force?

P R O G R A M M I N G & PA RT N E R S H I P S

March 16

April 20

The Challenges of Mediating and Discussing LGBTQ+ Experiences in the Church

Muslim Women and Stories of Life in America Dr. Tahani Amer, Senior Technologist

at NASA Headquarters, and congregant at the Mosque and Islamic Center of Hampton Roads, moderates this panel discussion.

Dr. Mark A. Yarhouse, Rosemarie S. Hughes Endowed Chair and Professor of Psychology, Regent University

The risk of misunderstanding frequently prevents individuals from participating in important conversations – particularly with those with whom they might disagree – on the topics of sexual identity and LGBTQ+ experiences. This discussion will focus on how to engage and interact around LGBTQ+ experiences in the church and broader culture today.

What unusual circumstances face Muslim women in America? What do they most wish others might know about them? Where do they find challenges, hope, meaning, and joy through their faith? This panel of diverse Muslim women will discuss and reflect on these questions and more.

April 6

April 27

Hard Things to Discuss: Jews, Christians, and Dialogue that Matters Today Dr. Michael Panitz, Rabbi at Temple Israel in Norfolk and Adjunct Associate Professor of Religion at VWC

Dr. Michael Panitz and Dr. Craig Wansink will lead participants through case studies that highlight ways in which well-intentioned people of different faiths may miscommunicate or speak past each other. One case study will focus on the challenges of religion in the public square (e.g., eruvs, and religious rules in public swimming pools). Other case studies will focus on Christians’ appropriation of Jewish scripture and the challenges in discussing issues related to the Israel/Palestine conflict.

The Origins of Modern Yoga Sam Grimes, (scholar of Sanskrit and classical Indian religion, see above)

The modern yoga movement is chock full of misinformation, charlatanism, and orientalist exploitation. The origins of the movement, and the traditions from which they drew their inspiration, are actually far more fascinating than the fiction most frequently sold in the West concerning the Sanskrit word “yoga.”

23

3

SPEAKERS

The Challenges of Religious Freedom around the Globe: 2017 DAVID N. SAPERSTEIN

Immediate Past United States Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom 2016-2017 Justine L. Nusbaum Visiting Lecturer

During the Obama administration, Saperstein was a principal advisor to the president and secretary of state and served as the United States chief diplomat on issues of religious freedom worldwide. Saperstein will speak on the work to promote religious freedom around the world and to fight persecution, discrimination, and genocide by groups like ISIS. Rabbi David Saperstein was nominated by then President Barack Obama and became the first non-Christian to head the Office of International Religious Freedom (2014-January 2017).

Monday, March 13 7:30-8:30 pm | BOYD DINING CENTER

RACE:

43

THE MESSIAH WILL COME AGAIN BLACK ELK AND THE LIFE OF AN AMERICAN VISIONARY JOE JACKSON, Mina Hohenberg Darden Endowed Professor of Creative Writing in the M.F.A. creative writing program at Old Dominion University Coastal Virginia’s own Joe Jackson will discuss his new book, Black Elk: The Life of an American Visionary (2016). Black Elk, the Native American holy man who inspired millions around the world, had a dramatic life that converged with some of the most momentous events in the history of the American West. This talk will focus on Black Elk’s changing religious identity as a healer and holy man, motivated by a powerful prophetic vision that he struggled to understand.

Thursday, March 30

11 am - Noon CLARKE HALL, THE LIGHTHOUSE COMMONS Support provided by The Lighthouse: Center for Exploration & Discovery at VWC

Why Won’t It Go Away?

DR. TED VIAL,

Professor of Theology and Modern Western Religious Thought at Iliff School of Theology, authored the recent monograph, Modern Religion, Modern Race (2016).

In his talk, Vial explores why, even though biologists tell us that race does not exist, we don’t seem to be able to escape thinking in racial terms.

Looking at the assumptions we have used to make sense of the world since the early 1800s, Vial shows that thinking racially is not a departure from modernity’s highest ideals, but part of the foundation of modernity itself.

Support provided by The Lighthouse: Center for Exploration & Discovery at VWC

Thursday, April 6

11 am - Noon CLARKE HALL, THE LIGHTHOUSE COMMONS

5

S T U D E N T C E N T E R E D I N I T I AT I V E S

2016 Robert C. Nusbaum Religious Freedom Essay Contest Winners In spring 2016, Mr. Bob Nusbaum established an endowment to enable the Center to hold an annual student religious freedom essay contest. The contest recognizes papers from VWC students that reflect a concern, understanding, and sensitivity towards the importance of religious freedom, either in this country or around the world.

In fall 2016 students enrolled in two VWC History courses – HIST 251 Comparative Genocide and HIST 349 Founding Fathers – submitted papers for the 2016 Robert C. Nusbaum Religious Freedom Essay Contest.

God in the Midst of Evil

In the “genocide” category, the outstanding essay was written by Emilee Pierson ’18. Her paper, “God in the Midst of Evil,” highlighted the lack of cognitive dissonance experienced by the perpetrators of genocide. Despite clear awareness that their acts went against the practices of their religion, they had little sense of remorse or fear of divine retribution.

Virginia Wesleyan Student and Servant Leader Founds New Student Organization In the fall of 2015, the CSRF offered a new servant leadership internship. This integrative experience included both academic and experiential elements, along with the development of specific skills related to mediation and community building. VWC junior Riley Conrad was one of the first students to enroll in the course, and as an outgrowth of that experience, she founded the student organization known as Spectrum.

Spectrum focuses on social justice and is committed to enhancing appreciation of differences, developing personal and institutional understanding of discrimination in all its forms, and helping to create a more inclusive campus community. On November 8, 2016, in commemoration of the National “Trans Day of Remembrance,” Spectrum hosted a table in the Marlin Grille to draw attention to discrimination and violence faced by many transgender people and to help ensure that every Virginia Wesleyan student is valued.

Virginia Wesleyan professor Dr. Jennifer Slivka adds her palm print to the Trans Day of Remembrance exhibit.

S T U D E N T C E N T E R E D I N I T I AT I V E S

The Guardians of Religious Liberty

In the “founding fathers” category, the outstanding essay, “The Guardians of Religious Liberty,” was written by Travon Nimmo, ’18. In his paper, Travon showed that although the First Amendment and the Establishment Clause would seem to argue against Sunday closing laws, in 1961 the justices of the Supreme Court used the founding fathers to justify government involvement in supporting Sunday blue laws.

Religion as an Aspect of Genocide

The runner up, Sydnie Allen ’19, wrote on “Religion as an Aspect of Genocide,” which focused on the various functions of religion within cultures that promoted genocide. It highlighted, in particular, how religion was used as a tool both in devaluing others (because of their faith) and in justifying the practice of genocide itself.

VWC Ethics Bowl Teams to Compete: Ethics & U.S. Presidential Politics The Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges’ (VFIC) annual Ethics Bowl competition brings together student teams from each of the 15 VFIC member institutions for lively debate and consideration of applied ethics – real world dilemmas that affect people’s lives in increasingly complex ways.

On February 12-13, 2017, VWC will host the competition and the student teams will debate on the topic of “Ethics & U.S. Presidential Politics.” As the VWC Ethics Bowl teams prepare to compete, the CSRF will host a debate demonstration with the audience having the opportunity to interact, critique, and discuss on Wednesday, February 8, 2017, 7-8:30 p.m. in Monumental Chapel. Free and open to the public.

Pictured: Ethics Bowl team captains, Riley Conrad ’18 (seated) and Kyle Grabulis ’17

Bob Nusbaum is the driving force behind the founding of the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom in 1996, the establishment of the Justine L. Nusbaum Lectureship, and now the Religious Freedom Essay Contest. In spring 2016, at the Justine L. Nusbaum lecture, President Scott Miller presented Mr. Nusbaum with a plaque recognizing him as the CSRF Founding Fellow. We are ever grateful to Mr. Nusbaum’s original vision and enduring support of the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom at Virginia Wesleyan College.

63

7

N AT I O N A L I N I T I AT I V E S CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM 3RD ANNUAL GATHERING OF SCHOLARS OF RELIGION AND AMERICAN LAW

The status of religious freedom in education and in prison

T

he status of religious freedom in education and in prison was the focus of the third annual meeting of the “Religion Law Discussion Group,” held on Sunday, November 20, in San Antonio, Texas. The public group, sponsored by the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom and organized by the Center’s Religion, Law, & Politics Fellow, Professor Eric Mazur, meets every year concurrently with the annual meeting of the American Academy of Religion (the international scholarly association of more than 9,000 scholars of religion from across all faith traditions and academic disciplines).

This year, panelists included Professor Eric Mazur; Professor Steven Green from Willamette University; Professor Dena Davis from Lehigh University; Brad Stoddard, assistant professor of American religious history at McDaniel College and instructor in the Goucher Prison Education Partnership (Maryland); and Adam Sweatman, graduate student in American religious history at Florida State University.

Leading off the discussion, Professor Green presented a paper titled “The Emerging Imbalance within Separationism” in which he examined recent Supreme Court (and lower federal court) decisions for their tendency to diminish the separation of religion from governmental actions and institutions. Formerly the legal director and chief counsel for Americans United for Separation of Church and State, Green (Fred H. Paulus Professor of Law; professor of history; director of the Center for Religion, Law, & Democracy) is the author of Inventing a Christian

Steven Green

Brad Stoddard

Dena Davis

America (2015), The Bible, the School, and the Constitution (2012), and The Second Disestablishment (2010).

The remaining papers focused more directly on religious issues in education and in prison. In her paper titled “Wisconsin v. Yoder & the Current Controversy over Yeshiva Education,” Professor Davis examined the false parallels between the famous decision protecting the constitutionality of a limited Amish exemption from public education and the current controversy involving an ultra-Orthodox Jewish community whose religious education does not seem to meet minimum educational standards. Adam Sweatman presented a related paper titled “Responsive Education Solutions: Religion, Charter Schools, & American Law.”

The panel also explored two current controversies related to religious liberty in prison. Presenting on the first, Prof. Stoddard examined the issue of religious freedom in “faith-based” programs (in traditional prisons) and dedicated “faith-based” prisons in his paper titled “Turf War: Competition Between Religion & State in Faith-Based Correctional Programs.” Investigating the second, Prof. Mazur, in a paper titled “Ben-Levi v. Brown and the Redefinition of Judaism in American Courts,” examined the difficulty of exercising religious freedom in traditional “secular” prisons, particularly for Jewish inmates and non-Jewish prison officials attempting to balance the institutional needs of the prison, the religious needs of the inmate, and the reality of a dramatically transforming Jewish world outside the prison walls.

Adam Sweatman

Eric Mazur

P R O G R A M M I N G & PA RT N E R S H I P S

NEXUS INTERFAITH DIALOGUE

Faith and the Environment

In anticipation of the opening of the Greer Environmental Sciences Center in fall 2017, the spring Nexus Interfaith Dialogue series focuses on faith and the environment. The CSRF is working with the Lynnhaven River NOW Pearl Faith Community both to draw attention to faith perspectives on our relationship with the environment and to consider our responsibility as stewards of the earth.

83

Monday, February 20 7-8:15 PM BLOCKER HALL AUDITORIUM

Theological Perspectives on Faith & the Environment Moderated by Cathy Lewis, Host of HearSay with Cathy Lewis, WHRV 89.5 FM, a panel of diverse clergy discusses theological perspectives on faith and the environment.

Monday, April 24 7-8:15 PM BLOCKER HALL AUDITORIUM

Lynnhaven River NOW Pearl Faith Community Moderated by Karen Forget, Executive Director, and Pam Northam, Pearl Home and Pearl Faith Coordinator, Lynnhaven River NOW, participants in the Pearl Faith Community discuss their actions and initiatives as responsible stewards of the earth.

The Nexus Interfaith Dialogue series is sponsored in partnership with the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities

LIFEMatters Launched in fall 2015 in partnership with the Chaplain’s Office and the Center for Innovative Teaching and Engaged Learning (INTEL), the “Life Matters” series has quickly become a much anticipated event among Virginia Wesleyan faculty, staff, and students.

These deeply personal reflections by members of the Wesleyan community focus on their emotional, intellectual, and spiritual experiences. As meaningful opportunities for understanding and connection, they also offer space for each of us to take a moment to think about what has shaped us and given our own life meaning.

Please feel free to bring a bag lunch or purchase lunch in the dining center.

Sponsored in partnership with VWC’s Chaplain’s Office and Center for Innovative Teaching and Engaged Learning (INTEL).

Thursday, March 16

Dr. Kathy Stolley, Professor of Sociology, Virginia Wesleyan College 12-12:50 PM

|

SHAFER ROOM

|

BOYD DINING CENTER

Thursday, April 13

Dr. Timothy O’Rourke, Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs Virginia Wesleyan College 12-12:50 PM | SHAFER ROOM |

BOYD DINING CENTER

RACE: LET’S TALK ABOUT IT

Town Hall discussions continue with “The Talk”

The town hall discussions are part of a local public media initiative, “Race: Let’s Talk About It,” and are sponsored by the CSRF, WHRV’s Another View radio program, and the Fort Monroe Authority. To coincide with the release of the new PBS documentary, “The Talk,” this town hall discussion will focus on the increasingly necessary conversation between parents of color and their children, especially sons, about how to behave if they are ever stopped by the police.

Moderated by Barbara Hamm Lee, host of Another View, WHRV 89.5 FM, a panel helps to guide the conversation, but the discussion belongs to the audience. Free and open to the public, but space is limited.

Please register at whro.org/talkaboutrace

The Talk TOWN HALL DISCUSSION Tuesday, February 21, 6:30-8 pm

FORT MONROE THEATER | HAMPTON VA

9

F R O M T H E S TA F F

In the fall of 2014, we began our journey in the Center with aspirations of creating high-impact learning experiences to help participants understand why religious freedom is a basic human right of daily significance.

We wanted to go beyond informing to transforming and equipping individuals to be engaged leaders and citizens.

TIDEWATER HUMANITARIAN AWARDS Virginia Wesleyan College is proud to announce that on Thursday, March 30, 2017, Dr. Craig Wansink will be among the honorees at the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities 2017 Tidewater Humanitarian Awards. The awards celebration honors individuals and organizations for making significant humanitarian contributions to the South Hampton Roads community. Also receiving Humanitarian Awards in 2017 are Kenneth C. Alexander, Kim S. Fink, Caroline J. McCartney, and James K. Spore. Additionally, Hands United Building Bridges (HUBB) will receive the Distinguished Merit Citation. To make reservations for the Awards on March 30, visit www.inclusiveva.org.

In our first two years, we have experimented with a number of formats and approaches, from partnerships with VWC courses and late-night films geared to students, to interfaith dialogues and community led town hall discussions about race. We have stood with our friends and neighbors to denounce xenophobia, Islamophobia, and hateful rhetoric.

We also have tried to reach beyond our campus and even our state in new ways. Eric has brought together a national annual discussion on religion and American law (see the article in this issue). Craig was chosen to participate in a week-long, Council of Independent Colleges seminar on “Teaching Interfaith Understanding.” That seminar, held this last August at DePaul University, brought together scholars from across the country in conversation with Eboo Patel, President of Interfaith Youth Core, and Laurie Patton, President of Middlebury College.

Currently we are in the last six months of an 18-month research exchange with the Kettering Foundation Centers for Public Life program.

The experience has helped us to shape and frame public conversations about solutions to critical community problems. We have also been chosen to be part of a peace literacy summer workshop, held this July in Santa Barbara, California and sponsored by Paul K. Chappell and the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation.

As we move into our third year, we have established meaningful community and campus partnerships, engaged and empowered students to take action, and are beginning to build the infrastructure needed for sustained campus and community cooperation and action. During this tense time in the world and in our nation, we are excited about the work we are doing and hope that you will continue to be a part of our efforts.

Thank you for your support.

Craig and Kelly

CALENDAR OF EVENTS FEBRUARY Ethics & U.S. Presidential Politics 8 ETHICS BOWL Demonstration

MATTERS: Dr. Kathy Stolley, Professor 16 LofIFESociology, Virginia Wesleyan College

NEXUS INTERFAITH DIALOGUE Moderated by Cathy Lewis, Host of HearSay with Cathy Lewis, WHRV 89.5 FM Monday, 7-8:15 PM Blocker Hall Auditorium

Sponsored in partnership with the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities and Lynnhaven River NOW

he Talk 21 TTOWN HALL DISCUSSION

Sponsored in partnership with VWC’s Chaplain’s Office and the Center for Innovative Teaching and Engaged Learning

he Challenges of Mediating and 16 TDiscussing LGBTQ+ Experiences in the Church

MEDIATING RELIGIOUS CONFLICTS Jacqueline Hawkins, Director of Minority Outreach, Center for Bio-Ethical Reform Thursday, 7-8:15 PM Blocker Hall Auditorium

he Challenges of Religious Freedom 13 Taround the Globe: 2017 JUSTINE L. NUSBAUM LECTURE David Saperstein, Immediate Past United States Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom Monday, 7:30-8:30 PM Boyd Dining Center

Women and Stories of Life 20 Minuslim America

ynnhaven River NOW Pearl Faith 24 LCommunity

American Visionary

NEXUS INTERFAITH DIALOGUE Moderated by Karen Forget, Executive Director, and Pam Northam, Pearl Home and Pearl Faith Coordinator, Lynnhaven River NOW Monday, 7-8:15 PM

Blocker Hall Auditorium

Sponsored in partnership with the Virginia

Center for Inclusive Communities and Lynnhaven River NOW

rigins of Modern Yoga 27 OMEDIATING RELIGIOUS CONFLICTS

Joe Jackson, Mina Hohenberg Darden Endowed Professor of Creative Writing in the M.F.A. creative writing program, Old Dominion University Thursday, 11 AM-12 Noon Clarke Hall, The Lighthouse Commons Support provided by The Lighthouse: Center for Exploration & Discovery at VWC

APRIL Race: Why Won’t It Go Away?

6 Dr. Ted Vial, Professor of Theology and Modern Western Religious Thought, Iliff School of Theology Thursday, 11 AM-12 Noon Clarke Hall, The Lighthouse Commons Support provided by The Lighthouse: Center for Exploration & Discovery at VWC

Life: When Might Faith 9 Defending Justify Violence or the Use of Force?

MEDIATING RELIGIOUS CONFLICTS

An interview and conversation with Rev. Donald Spitz, anti-abortion activist Thursday, 7-8:15 PM

Blocker Hall Auditorium

Sponsored in partnership with VWC’s Chaplain’s Office and the Center for Innovative Teaching and Engaged Learning

he Messiah Will Come Again: 30 TBlack Elk and the Life of an

What is Tantric Sex? 23 MEDIATING RELIGIOUS CONFLICTS

Effective Communication

Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs Virginia Wesleyan College Thursday, 12-12:50 PM Boyd Dining Center, Shafer Room

MEDIATING RELIGIOUS CONFLICTS

Dr. Tahani Amer, Senior Technologist at NASA Headquarters, and congregant at the Mosque and Islamic Center of Hampton Roads Thursday, 7-8:15 PM

Blocker Hall Auditorium

Sponsored in partnership with WHRO Public Media and the Fort Monroe Authority

MARCH Talking about Abortion and Faith: 2 Anti-Abortion Reasoning and

L IFE MATTERS: Dr. Timothy O’Rourke

MEDIATING RELIGIOUS CONFLICTS

Dr. Mark Yarhouse, Rosemarie S. Hughes Endowed Chair and Professor of Psychology, Regent University Thursday, 7-8:15 PM

Blocker Hall Auditorium

RACE: LET’S TALK ABOUT IT

Moderated by Barbara Hamm Lee, Host and Executive Producer of Another View, WHRV 89.5 FM

Tuesday, 6:30-8 PM

Fort Monroe, Hampton VA Register at whro.org/talkaboutrace

Sam Grimes, scholar of Sanskrit and classical Indian religion Thursday, 7-8:15 PM Blocker Hall Auditorium Support provided by The Lighthouse: Center for Exploration & Discovery at VWC

13

Thursday, 12-12:50 PM Boyd Dining Center, Shafer Room

Wednesday, 7-8:30 PM Monumental Chapel

Perspectives on Faith 20 T&heological the Environment

10 3

6

ard Things to Discuss: Jews, H Christians, and Dialogue that Matters Today

MEDIATING RELIGIOUS CONFLICTS

Dr. Michael Panitz, Rabbi at Temple Israel in Norfolk and Adjunct Associate Professor of Religion at VWC Thursday, 7-8:15 PM

Blocker Hall Auditorium

Sam Grimes, scholar of Sanskrit and classical Indian religion Thursday, 7-8:15 PM

Blocker Hall Auditorium

Support provided by The Lighthouse:

Center for Exploration & Discovery at VWC

.S. Presidency and Religious 28 UFreedom SOUP ON FRIDAY CELEBRATION Friday, 11:30 AM-1:30 PM Clarke Hall, CSRF Office Suite

Sponsored in partnership with VWC Professor Sharon Swift’s digital art courses

ALL CSRF EVENTS ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Understanding

RELIGIOUS FREEDOM is published twice a year by the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom at Virginia Wesleyan College Craig Wansink, Ph.D. Joan P. and Macon F. Brock Jr. Director Kelly Jackson, Associate Director Eric Mazur, Ph.D. Center Fellow for Religion, Law, and Politics 757.455.3129 csrf@vwc.edu | www.vwc.edu/csrf

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Norfolk, VA Permit 27

1584 Wesleyan Drive Norfolk, VA 23502-5599

Full moon worship at Svayambhunath Stupa in Kathmandu

Photo provided by Sam Grimes