The Dialogue Institute at Temple University hosts “Scaling the Wall of Separation Between Church and State: Reflections on the 50-Year History of the Temple University Department of Religion"—a free event highlighting the ground-breaking history of Temple’s Department of Religion and the related legacy of interfaith pioneer and Professor of Catholic Thought and Interreligious Dialogue, Leonard Swidler, who is also celebrating his 50th anniversary at Temple.
The program will begin with a presentation by Brian Ortale, a former Temple graduate student and current adjunct faculty member at Chestnut Hill College and Gwynedd Mercy University, based on his forthcoming dissertation, “Scaling the Wall of Separation Between Church and State: A Narrative History of the Development of the First Departments of Religion at State Universities in America.” The presentation will include faculty/student responses and discussion.
A light reception with Professor Swidler will follow, accompanying an opportunity to view and discuss a special exhibit on his unique role in that unfolding history and his profound impact on the global ecumenical and interfaith movement—including his legacy as Co-Founding Editor of the Journal of Ecumenical Studies (1964) and Founder/President of the Dialogue Institute (1978). “Bridging Dialogue and Renewal: Professor Leonard Swidler's 50 Years at Temple” will be on display on the ground floor of Paley Library until the end of January.
More info at dialogueinstitute.org/news/50.