Through our research and programs, the USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture has gained expertise in the power and impact of religion in society. Explore insights about the following areas of expertise:

Civic Engagement

Through social movements, service, politics and protests, people of faith bring their religious convictions to the public square.

Explore stories of religious leadership and find resources for civic engagement work.

People sit in chairs and on floor at a Masjid, listening to a khutbah

Thriving Congregations

Congregations and faith-based organizations thrive when they meet the spiritual and communal needs of their members, and serve the needs of the wider community.

Explore stories and analysis about how organizations not only survive, but thrive.

Outdoor brick wall painted bright green with Buddha on it

Religion in Southern California

Los Angeles is a microcosm of the world’s religions. CRCC has conducted many projects exploring religious religious activism, innovation and diversity in the Southern California region.

Explore stories of religion in Southern California.

Mural of Breonna Taylor holding up a fist and cradling flowers with other arm.

Racial Justice

Leaders of movements for racial justice find moral vision and sustenance in their religious commitments and spirituality, even as some religious institutions perpetuate unjust systems.

Explore the stories and perspectives of those working for equity.

Photo by Annette Bernhardt with modification

Tibetan monk leans over and adds sand to a brightly colored mandala, which will be blown away after it is complete

Innovation and Change

Religious identity and participation are on the decline in the U.S. Shifts in the religious landscape affect congregations’ ability to serve people, while opening space for entrepreneurs to meet people’s spiritual longings.

Explore how faith communities are adapting in a rapidly changing culture.

Mama Maggie sits among children in a slum, writing in a book.

Engaged Spirituality

Spirituality is the force that compels many people to be engaged with the world’s most complex challenges, and humanitarian work can also influence one’s spirituality.

Explore stories of people of advancing human flourishing.

Explore by Religious Tradition

CRCC studies how people of a variety of faiths and none live out their values and beliefs. We study faith groups as a lens into developments in society. Select a religion to view blog posts about its adherents:

Explore by Social Issue

CRCC studies various moral, social and political issues to understand the role of religious actors in creating change. Choose a social issue to explore content about critical topics for communities, leaders and the wider society.