Hunger and social policy, faith and race, and religious literacy are among the subjects of several “Focus on Faith and Diversity” lectures to be held this spring at Elmhurst University.

This series of reflections and conversations will bring together renowned religious leaders and social justice advocates with faculty and other leaders from the Elmhurst University community. Hosted by the University’s Office of the Chaplain, the lectures will be held throughout March and April. All are free and open to the public and will be held in a virtual format. 

• The Right to Food: How Public Policy Impacts Hunger
  Featuring the Rev. Nancy Neal, director of the Church Relations Department at Bread for the World, a Christian advocacy organization that works for policy changes to end hunger. Monday, March 8, 4:00 p.m.

• The State of Race in America
  The Rev. Dr. Brad R. Braxton is the chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer at St. Luke’s School in New York City, and curator for the Living Religions in 21st Century America program at the 2022 Smithsonian Folklife Festival. Thursday, March 11, 4:00 p.m.  

• Faith and Politics: My Years with Barack Obama and Joe Biden
  A conversation with the Rev. Dr. Derrick Harkins, national director of interfaith outreach for the Democratic National Committee and senior vice president at Union Theological Seminary. Monday, March 15, 7:00 p.m.

• The Religious Literacy Project of Elmhurst University
  Featuring Dr. Alice Hunt, executive director of the American Academy of Religion and former president of Chicago Theological Seminary. A biblical scholar with research interests in leadership development, Hunt is the recipient of an honorary degree from Elmhurst University. Tuesday, April 13, 4:00 p.m.  

The “Focus on Faith and Diversity” lectures are part of Elmhurst University’s 2020-21 Cultural Season of public lectures with the theme of “The Courage to Change: Reflection, Action and Resilience.” This year’s theme is inspired by the widely known Serenity Prayer, written by prominent American theologian and Elmhurst alumnus Reinhold Niebuhr: God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Admission to the “Focus on Faith and Diversity” virtual lectures is free, but reservations are required. Reservations can be made at elmhurst.edu/cultural; an access link to the virtual event will be provided closer to the event date. For questions, call (630) 617-5186 to leave a message, or email [email protected].