Individuals working on humanitarian causes, such as poverty and human rights, often are inspired and sustained by their spiritual beliefs and practices. Whether they are Buddhist, Muslim or Christian–or do not adhere to any particular tradition–their spirituality compels them to be engaged with the world.
From CRCC’s first grant on the role of religion in the aftermath of Los Angeles’ 1992 civil unrest, CRCC’s research and training programs have sought to understand and support faith leaders committed to improving their communities. CRCC expands on its expertise with “Spiritual Exemplars: A Global Project on Engaged Spirituality.” Global in scope, the project will capture the stories of 100 exemplary individuals’ commitment to advancing human flourishing and establish a field of study around “spiritual exemplars.” Case studies, podcasts, short documentaries and written profiles will be gathered below, along with analysis. The project is supported by the John Templeton Foundation and Templeton Religion Trust.
Sign up for CRCC’s newsletter to receive updates on the project, and click here to find out how you can get involved.
Above, Maggie Gorban ministers to children in a slum on the outskirts of Cairo.
AnnouncementNominate a Spiritual ExemplarDo you know someone who is changing the world? Is their work inspiring but not widely known? The USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture is launching a global project on spiritual …Topics: Spiritual Exemplars
AnnouncementUSC’s Spiritual Exemplars Project to Uncover Stories of HopeThe Center for Religion and Civic Culture (CRCC) at the University of Southern California is embarking on an ambitious project to tell 100 stories of exemplary individuals inspired by their spirituality to …Topics: Spiritual Exemplars
FeaturedSpiritual ExemplarsTopics: Spiritual Exemplars- VideoMaggie Gobran: “Mama” to Thousands of Children in Egypt
CommentaryCountering Pessimism and Despair: An Encounter with Two Spiritual ExemplarsAs we enter 2019, two emotions seem to be dominant: political pessimism and personal anxiety. These feelings are rooted in the dysfunctions of government and economic instability, both of which are legitimate …Topics: Genocide, Nuns and Women Religious, Religious Leadership, Spiritual Exemplars, Sub-Saharan Africa, Violence
AnnouncementJournalists: Apply for Spiritual Exemplars Project – International Religion ReportingThe USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture seeks applications from journalists to join a team that will profile 100 “Spiritual Exemplars” around the world over the course of the next two …Topics: Spiritual Exemplars- VideoJamila Afghani: Educating and Empowering Women in Afghanistan
CommentaryNobel Peace Prize Winner Denis Mukwege Keeps the Faith in the Face of ViolenceI had the privilege of interviewing 2018 Nobel Peace Prize winner Doctor Denis Mukwege in 2017 in the small country of Armenia, where he was a finalist for the Aurora Prize—a $1 …Topics: Pentecostals and Pentecostalism, Spiritual Exemplars, Sub-Saharan Africa, Violence
CRCC Experts
To schedule an interview with one of our experts, please contact CRCC:
crcc@usc.edu or 213-743-1611
Hebah FarragAssistant Director of ResearchHebah Farrag manages the center’s research and evaluation projects while engaging in research focused on religion, social change and new spiritualties.
Donald E. MillerDirector of Strategic InitiativesDonald Miller focuses on global religious trends, genocides of the 20th century, and the role of religious NGOs in addressing issues of moral concern.
Arpi MillerContributing FellowArpi Miller is a sociologist who studies secular and faith-based immigrant advocacy and accompaniment.