CROSSCURRENTS

 

2012 Annual Research Colloquium:

Role of Religion in Social Movements


Spend the month of July in New York working on a research or writing project related to the theme The Role of Religion in Social Movements, with access to libraries and research facilities at Columbia University, Union, Auburn, and Jewish Theological Seminaries.

Application deadline is February 1, 2012.

The 2012 CrossCurrents Research Colloquium, in partnership with Auburn Theological Seminary, will explore how religion influences social movements. For the purpose of this colloquium, ‘social movements’ will be broadly defined and include movements such as Prohibition, Conservation, anti-Apartheid, civil rights, women’s movement, nuclear disarmament, LGBT equality, Right to Life, Tea Party, the environmental movement, Occupy Wall Street, etc. (see also ).   

The colloquium is interested in questions such as:

·       What role does the religious background of individuals who lead or participate in social movements play? How does religion influence individuals to participate or not?

·       What role do organized religious communities play in social movements? How do religious communities support, define, or respond to social movements?

·       How does religious/moral discourse engage with the values, goals, and rhetoric of social movements?

·       How do religious communities relate to one another in and through social movements?  What impact does this relationship have in other areas of interreligious engagement?

·       How is religious engagement in social movements differentiated within traditions (elite vs. grassroots; denominationally; institution-led vs. affinity networks, etc.)?  Are there patterns of religious engagement across successful social movements?

The Colloquium will bring together fellows (scholars of religion, sociologists, clergy, and others) who have worked on these questions and offer them an opportunity for in-depth scholarly exploration of commonalities and differences. By creating an environment conducive to research, open reflection and scholarly inquiry, participants are encouraged to learn from others who have studied different movements, religious traditions, and/or come from different fields.

At the Colloquium, fellows spend the length of four weeks together, pursuing individual research as well as gathering as a group for focused and facilitated discussions. Those who are selected for a fellowship are referred to as "Coolidge Scholars" after William A. Coolidge, the principal benefactor of this program. Each Coolidge Scholar works on his or her own project, but benefits by being able to collaborate with others. The collegial relationships that develop within the group are a crucial element of this program and one of its distinctive aspects.

If you have further questions about the content of the Colloquium, please contact one of the following:

·       J.C. Austin, Auburn Seminary ().

·       Charles Henderson, CrossCurrents ()

·       Lisa Anderson, Auburn Seminary, ()

Colloquium Logistics and Schedule
The Colloquium runs for four weeks during July 2012. The daily schedule allows a balance of structured and unstructured time, including:

  1. Time for individual research, reflection and consultation with fellows and staff
  2. Seminars for facilitated and focused discussion that also integrate work-in-progress reports by fellows
  3. Common meals and opportunities to explore the artistic and cultural resources of New York City

The Colloquium is residential and provides fellows with room and board (vegetarian/kosher food available) and access to libraries and research facilities at Columbia University, Teachers College, Union, Auburn and Jewish Theological Seminaries. Participants are required to pay a $125 registration fee upon acceptance plus the cost of travel to New York City.

Eligibility and Application
The successful applicant will be capable of writing for a publication of the caliber of CrossCurrents. Normally, fellows will hold doctorates; some will have professional degrees or ordination; a few will qualify by reason of equivalent experience.  For ideas on the types of projects we encourage, please check the CrossCurrents website to view back issues of the journal. 

To apply, please send by email:

1)     Title and brief description (1-2 pp.) of the applicant's proposed project.

2)     A brief resume including religious affiliation or preference, academic standing and professional experience. 

3)     The names, titles, institutional addresses and telephone numbers of two references. (You do not need to have these persons write a letter; we will contact references as needed.)

If you have any further questions about the Colloquium or would like to explore the appropriateness of a project you are thinking about, please contact:

Charles Henderson, CrossCurrents, Executive Director
Email: Tel: or 
Cell: