“We Save Us” – 2025 Trends to Watch in Religion and Society
CRCC 2025 trends focus on the wildfires affecting Los Angeles County and what will be a multi-year recovery effort. Across the various issues, a central theme emerged: Solidarity. Read More
This is my archive
Congregations Affected by LA County Wildfires
The USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture (CRCC) has compiled a list of congregations affected by the Eaton and Pacific Palisades fires. Read More
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 for Religion and Civic Culture. Read More
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 in Sri Lanka – The Mothers of the Righteous Society: Lay Buddhist Women as Agents of the Sinhala Nationalist Imaginary. Andrea Paras, University of Guelph, responded, followed by a Question and Answer session. Read More
An Interfaith Dialogue on the Crisis Care Needs of Faith Communities
This dialogue is intended to help providers understand the dynamics of supporting communities of faith in culturally appropriate and responsive ways, especially during the pandemic. In addition, they talk about the ways that health providers can align with faith leaders and their communities to build stronger systems of care for people experiencing crises. Read More
Jean Bouchebel: Retired From World Vision, but Not From Serving God and Refugees
“I started with nothing in life—not even a pair of socks—and God made me his servant,” said Bouchebel. “The only hope I have is God’s promise that he will not forsake his church, and this is what pushes me to do more and more for others.” Read More
Kushil Gunasekera: ‘The More You Give, the More Will Be Yours to Give’
At first glance, Kushil’s ambition to be one of the nicest human beings may seem overzealous or even audacious. Yet, such a gloss would overlook Kushil’s passionate and earnest desire to cultivate and perfect his spiritual vocation of generosity. Read More
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 volunteers learn about different traditions so they can better serve the people they assist. Read More
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 and build partnerships with religious leaders. The Disasters & Religions app presents easily accessible religious literacy and competency information on 27 unique religions, from Baha’i to Zoroastrianism, including 12 Christian denominations. Read More
COVID-19: The Essential Problem with State-Faith Relations
California has become a battleground between churches and the government during the coronavirus pandemic, with implications for faith groups across the country. Read More
