Launched in 2010, the Religion and Public Life Program is part of Rice University’s Institute for Urban Research. It is directed by Elaine Howard Ecklund, an assistant professor of sociology and a Baker Institute for Public Policy Rice Scholar at Rice University. The Religion and Public Life Program provides an interdisciplinary platform for bridging the gap between the best religion scholarship a
nd the various constituencies that might benefit from that scholarship. Conversations about the role of religion in our lives—whether the topic is embryonic stem cell research, American foreign policy in the Middle East, immigrant rights, or religious expression in the political or business world—often become divisive in language and rhetoric, as groups on different sides of an issue often create myths about one another. Our hope is to help these groups fully understand one another’s perspective. We are beginning with a focus on how religion interfaces with medicine, science, and education. Program Initiatives:
Books in Public Scholarship — a forum for scholars to review and discuss forthcoming books on religion that are poised to make a big public impact. Reading Religion at Rice — a gathering of scholars to review drafts of scholarly articles on issues related to religion and public life that are highly relevant to particular constituencies. Post-Baccalaureate Fellowship — a one- to two-year fellowship for recent college graduates who want to participate in scholarly and public conversations about religion and plan to work in areas such as law, academia, or public policy. Semi-Annual Lectureship — a biannual event bringing together scholars from various sectors and perspectives to engage in civil conversation on issues related to religion and public life. Undergraduate Student Fellowship — a one- to two-semester fellowship for students working on research with Dr. Ecklund, providing them with the opportunity to participate in program planning and ex*****on, and host program guests.
