CommentaryWe’re still fighting for migrants’ dignity in Los AngelesThis article was originally published on Religion News Service, by staff and participants in the USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture’s Compelling Preaching program. By Susan Goldberg, Najuma Smith, Soraya Ahyaudin, Guillermo Torres and Tanny Jiraprapasuke LOS …Topics: Immigration, Interfaith/Multifaith Movements, Politics, preaching, Racial Justice, Religious Leadership, Southern California
ToolsPreaching Beyond the Walls of the Congregation: How Faith Leaders Can Use MediaCongregations are often on the frontlines of significant social issues, from poverty to immigration to polarization. Clergy’s moral leadership on these issues is grounded in both their spiritual traditions and the lived …Topics: Christianity, Media and Technology, preaching, Religious Leadership
Commentary‘No Kings’: The Rise Of Religious Authoritarianism In AmericaThis commentary was originally published in Religion Unplugged by a participant in the USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture’s Compelling Preaching program. By Michael J. Christensen As fascism threatens to rise …Topics: Christianity, Politics, Religious Leadership
CommentaryWhy The Pope Matters In A World Of RivalriesThis article was originally published on Religion Unplugged. “Cheering for the Cubs is like praying to Allah,” my cousin, a White Sox fanatic and evangelical Christian, once quipped over Christmas dinner. According to …Topics: Catholicism, Christianity, Politics, Religious Leadership
AnnouncementFlourishing in Ministry Program Offers Coaching to SoCal PastorsPastoring a church can be fulfilling work — and it also can be demanding. Faith leaders often feel a divine call to accompany individuals on their spiritual and personal journeys. At the …Topics: Christianity, Religious Leadership, Southern California, Thriving Congregations
CommentaryChurches Come Together for Good Friday in Ocean BeachThe USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture provided seed funding for an ecumenical group of faith leaders serving San Diego’s Ocean Beach neighborhood through its Compelling Preaching Initiative. It seemed odd …Topics: Christianity, preaching, Religious Leadership, Southern California- VideoWellness and Wellbeing: Caring for Self and Community
Commentary“We Save Us” – 2025 Trends to Watch in Religion and SocietyMultiple wildfires broke out across Los Angeles the day before our team was scheduled to discuss 2025 trends to watch in religion and society. Our leader canceled the meeting, while other team …Topics: Disaster Response, Economic Justice, Innovation and Change, Politics, Racial Justice, Religious Leadership, trends
EventPassing the Mantle 2.0: The Murray LegacyAfter decades of ministry, the Rev. Dr. Cecil L. “Chip” Murray spent his “retirement” sharing his model of leadership and vision of Christian social ethics to a new generation of faith leaders. …Topics: Black Church, CMCCE, Engaged Spirituality, Religious Leadership
EventHow Then Shall We Live? A Conversation Series“How Then Shall We Live?” is a series of conversations that examines critical issues shaping how humanity lives together today: the environment, polarization and artificial intelligence. Experts will share their perspectives on …Topics: Christianity, Event, preaching, Religious Leadership- VideoMemories of the Rev. Dr. Cecil L. “Chip” Murray – 1929-2024
- VideoReflections from the Rev. Dr. Cecil L. “Chip” Murray
CRCC Experts
To schedule an interview with one of our experts, please contact CRCC:
crcc@usc.edu or 213-743-1611
Richard FloryExecutive DirectorRichard Flory is a sociologist whose work focuses on religion and urban life, religious and cultural change, and youth and young adults.
Peter B. GudaitisGuest ContributorPeter B. Gudaitis is an expert of faith communities and disaster readiness, response and recovery.
Donald E. MillerCo-FounderDonald Miller focuses on global religious trends, genocides of the 20th century, and the role of religious NGOs in addressing issues of moral concern.
Najuma SmithAssistant Director of Community and Public EngagementRev. Najuma Smith combines her experience as a pastor and expertise as a community leader to train Murray Center Fellows.
Rev. Frank Jackson, Jr.Rev. Frank Jackson, Jr. couples his experience in business and investment with his passion for community development.