2014 Annual Research Colloquium:
Religion, Leadership and Social
Transformation
Spend the month of July in New York working on a research
or writing project related to the theme of “Religion, Leadership and Social
Transformation,” with access to libraries and research facilities at Columbia
University, Union, Auburn, and Jewish Theological Seminaries. Applications from
scholars, theologians, activists and artists will be
accepted.
Application deadline is February 2, 2014.
About the
theme “Religion, Leadership and Social Transformation”
Religion, faith,
and spirituality have often played a role in campaigns and movements for social
change. The Colloquium is interested in questions such as:
• What role do
faith leaders, faith organizations, and religious ideas or theologies play in
bringing about social change?
• Historically, and today, what roles have
religion played in specific domestic or international campaigns or movements,
such as civil rights, women’s movement, environmental movement, immigration,
nuclear disarmament, LGBT equality, right to life, Tea Party, Occupy, etc.? Do
some “issues” lend themselves to involvement by religious groups or ideas more
than others?
• What is the dynamic of cross-faith interaction in social
transformation work?
• How are faith leaders equipped or trained for social
justice work?
• What are the obstacles and opportunities of faith leaders
working effectively with secular groups (or “nones,” agnostics, etc.) for social
transformation?
• How does participation in social change work affect
religious belief or practice?
Historical, theological, and intellectual
investigations will all be considered.
About the Colloquium
The
program includes single room housing in Union Seminary in Manhattan. Alternative
arrangements are up to the candidate (the cost of the single housing may be made
available in such cases).
The Colloquium will bring together fellows
(scholars of religion, sociologists, clergy, activists and others) who have
worked on these questions and offer them an opportunity for in-depth scholarly
exploration of commonalities and differences. By creating an environment
conducive to research, open reflection and scholarly inquiry, participants are
encouraged to learn from others who have studied different or convergent topics,
bringing perspectives from their different fields. In addition, fellows will be
given the opportunity to participate in Auburn’s Media Training and will be
encouraged to consider ways to bring their work to public audiences.
The
program includes single room housing at Union Seminary in Manhattan. Alternative
arrangements can be made by those who are accepted as available at Union or
elsewhere, but any additional cost will be the responsibility of the
fellow.
At the Colloquium, fellows spend four weeks together, pursuing
individual research as well as gathering as a group for focused and facilitated
discussions. Those who are selected for a fellowship are referred to as
"Coolidge Scholars" after William A. Coolidge, the principal benefactor of this
program. Each Coolidge Scholar works on his or her own project, but benefits by
being able to collaborate with others. The collegial relationships that develop
within the group are a crucial element of this program and one of its
distinctive aspects. The work of the fellows is eligible for publication in the
journal CrossCurrents.
If you have further questions about the content of
the Colloquium, please contact one of the following:
• J.C. Austin,
Auburn Seminary (jaustin@auburnseminary.org).
•
Charles Henderson, CrossCurrents (chashenderson@mindspring.com)
•
Lisa Anderson, Auburn Seminary, (landerson@auburnseminary.org)
Colloquium
Logistics and Schedule
The Colloquium takes place July 1-31, 2014. The
daily schedule allows a balance of structured and unstructured time,
including:
1. Time for individual research, reflection and consultation
with fellows and staff
2. Seminars for facilitated and focused discussion
that also integrate work-in-progress reports by fellows
3. Common meals and
opportunities to explore the artistic and cultural resources of New York
City
The Colloquium is residential and provides fellows with room and
board (vegetarian/kosher food available) and access to libraries and research
facilities at Columbia University, Teachers College, Union, Auburn and Jewish
Theological Seminaries. Participants are required to pay a $125 registration fee
upon acceptance plus the cost of travel to New York City.
Eligibility and
Application
The successful applicant will be capable of writing for a
publication of the caliber of CrossCurrents. Normally, fellows will hold
doctorates; some will have professional degrees or ordination; a few will
qualify by reason of equivalent experience. For ideas on the types of projects
we encourage, please check the CrossCurrents website to view back issues of the
journal.
1) Title and brief description (1-2 pp.) of the applicant's
proposed project.
2) A brief resume including religious affiliation or
preference, academic standing and professional experience.
3) The names,
titles, institutional addresses and telephone numbers of two references. (You do
not need to have these persons write a letter; we will contact references as
needed.)
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO APPLY, VISIT:
www.crosscurrents.org/colloquium.htm
If you have any
further questions about the Colloquium or would like to explore the
appropriateness of a project you are thinking about, please contact:
Charles
Henderson, CrossCurrents, Executive Director
Email: colloquium@crosscurrents.org
Tel:
212-870-2544 or
Cell: 917-439-2305
