Archive
The Complex Relationship Between Religion and Humanitarianism
The hero image of religious saints involved in humanitarian work warrants examination. I have come to this conclusion in the process of leading a global project on “spiritual exemplars” at USC’s Center …
The Intersection of Gender, Nationalism and Faith-based Giving in Sri Lanka
On September 9 2021, the Joint Learning Initiative on Faith and Local Communities (JLI) held a webinar where CRCC’s Nalika Gajaweera presented her paper on the Intersection of gender, nationalism, and faith-based giving …
An Interfaith Dialogue on the Crisis Care Needs of Faith Communities
Faith leaders share about the behavioral health crises affecting diverse faith communities and the critical role they play as a support system during times of crisis. This panel was a part of …
Jean Bouchebel: Retired From World Vision, but Not From Serving God and Refugees
This article was originally published by Christianity Today, with the support of CRCC’s global project on engaged spirituality. When Jean Bouchebel retired at age 70, he was not ready to simply relax. …
Kushil Gunasekera: ‘The More You Give, the More Will Be Yours to Give’
This article was originally published by The Arrow Journal, with the support of CRCC’s global project on engaged spirituality. “I want to be one of the nicest human beings that this earth …
VOANews Features Disasters & Religion App
Religious groups play a critical role in responding to wildfires, hurricanes and other disasters, VOA News notes in a piece about the Disasters & Religions app. The app helps disaster professional and …
New App Equips Disaster Responders to Better Help Religious Americans
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and unprecedented hurricane and wildfire seasons, a new app will help first responders, disaster response professionals and voluntary organizations better serve America’s diverse religious communities …
COVID-19: The Essential Problem with State-Faith Relations
This article was originally published in The Hill. A Los Angeles-area church is the latest to make national headlines by defying public health orders and gathering in-person as COVID-19 cases continue to rise. Grace …
Saving Lives Through Effective Community Engagement
Community Response System of South Los Angeles (CRSSLA), a preparedness and response cooperative between community-based organizations, churches, educational institutions in South Los Angeles, hosted a virtual meeting on effective community engagement amid …
Six Principles for Engaging Faith Communities
Partnerships with community groups strengthens governmental response to critical social issue, from homelessness to disaster response. Public agencies often turn to faith leaders to support their initiatives, and yet doing so often …
Ten Tips for Government Engagement with Religious Communities
Religious organizations can be essential partners in creating positive change in their communities. Governmental agencies often work with faith leaders because they are influential and well-connected to the people they serve. Their …
Faith & Politics: Leadership in the Time of COVID-19
The USC Cecil Murray Center for Community Engagement’s hosts a conversation with two of its alumni about how they are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Featuring: Dr. Michael Fisher, Greater Zion Church …
Religious Leadership in the Face of COVID-19: A Multifaith Discussion
In this multifaith discussion, Los Angeles-area religious leaders discuss the challenges—personal and professional—of guiding a community through pandemic. What do the religious spring holidays tell us about this moment? What is the …
KPCC, U.S. News, Teen Vogue & RNS: CRCC on Community in the Face of COVID-19
In the wake of COVID-19, communities across the world are undergoing immense changes and facing great uncertainties. Brie Loskota appeared on KPCC’s Take Two to discuss how communities should respond during these …
Securing Faith Communities in the Era of Mass Shootings – Keynote Address
Brie Loskota was the keynote speaker at the Faith Communities Security Summit, hosted by Biola University on March 3, 2020. Loskota is a board member of the LA Emergency Preparedness Foundation, one …
Today’s Mass Killings Shouldn’t Distort Our Assessment of Everyday Risk
This post originally appeared on Zócolo Public Square. In the midst of the Second Intifada, in summer 2001, I was living in the dorms at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Normally bustling streets …
September 16, 2001: Rev. Murray’s post-9/11 Sermon
In a sermon titled “Above the Madness,” Rev. Cecil Murray of First AME Church (FAME) in Los Angeles admonishes his congregation not to partake of the toxic stew of hatred and rage …
Prosperity Gospel Is not the only Problem with Joel Osteen’s Harvey Response
This article originally appeared on Religion Dispatches. Twitter was outraged Monday. Megachurch Pastor Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church, housed in a former basketball arena, looked to be dry and quiet, even as thousands of Houstonians …
Faith Community Responds to Racism and Violence in Charlottesville
After white supremacists’ protests in Charlottesville left one dead, many injured and the country grappling with its still prevalent racism, faith leaders have been working to respond with words and action. Rev. Mark …
Media Coverage of L.A. Civil Unrest Anniversary
Having grown out of the 1992 Los Angeles civil Unrest, the USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture and Cecil Murray Center for Community Engagement commemorated the 25th anniversary with multiple opportunities …