Studying Religion in the “Belly of the Beast” – A Prison in Rio
It seemed like a good idea when I made the arrangements. But my heart was beating at double speed and I was filled with doubt, as a staff member handed me a …
Moral, Social and Political Issues
Haaretz: Young Evangelicals Less Supportive of Israel
Young evangelical Americans are increasingly diverging from their elders’ support for Israel, Haaretz reported about a new survey. Richard Flory, CRCC’s director of research and evaluation, explained in the article that the generational …
The Memo Book Signing with John Hope Bryant
John Hope Bryant, founder of Operation HOPE, visited the USC Cecil Murray Center for Community Engagement for a book discussion and signing about his new book, The Memo: Five Rules for Your …
Faith Leaders on Los Angeles’ Homelessness Crisis
The University of Southern California hosted a high-level roundtable of local faith leaders to discuss how the faith community could jointly respond to the homelessness crisis in Los Angeles. This post includes …
OC Register: Mark Whitlock on Church Security
Following the mass shooting at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas on November 5, Rev. Mark Whitlock spoke with the Orange County Register about the need to balance security and hospitality …
Daily Pilot: The Fast-Growing Catholic Diocese of Orange
The Catholic Diocese of Orange is among the fastest-growing dioceses in the United States, and its strength lies in its diversity, reports the Daily Pilot. “If you look at the Diocese of Orange, …
Pico Union Project: An Interfaith Space in Los Angeles
The Pico-Union Project reveals several layers of Los Angeles’ immigrant religious history, even as it embodies the communities and practices that are shaping the city’s future. Built in 1909 for a Jewish …
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 …
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 …
Trust Talks: A Dialogue on Police and Race in Los Angeles
Trust Talks is a faith community-led initiative that brings together all sides of the Downtown Los Angeles community—including representatives of Skid Row, condo owners and renters, police, business owners, and activists—in …