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AT A GLANCELETTERSPUBLIC ENGAGEMENTLEADERSRESEARCH AND TEACHINGSUPPORTERSLOOKING FORWARDJohn C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics 2016-2017 Annual ReportTHE ART AND POLITICSOF AFRICAN AMERICAN FAITH102 01 17 Josef Sorett explored the terrain of presumably “secular” African American literatureand popular music — drawing from episodes across the 20th century to the contemporarymoment — as a novel means for engaging black faith traditions and inviting new conversationsabout American religion and politics. Professor Sorett is an Associate Professor of Religionand African-American Studies at Columbia University, where he also directs the Centeron African-American Religion, Sexual Politics and Social Justice (CARSS). This lecture wasco-sponsored with the African and African-American Studies Department and the EnglishDepartment’s Religion and Literature Reading Group.231. Sorett greets ProfessorBen Sanders III of Eden TheologicalSeminar y after his lecture.2. Sorett introduces a videoclip of Chance the Rapper aspart of his lecture. 3. LaurieMaffly-Kipp, Sorett, and LeroneMartin welcome Fannie Bialek’scomments after the lecture.4WORK AS WORSHIP: EMERSON’S EMANCIPATINGRELIGIOUS AND POLITICAL JOURNEYINAUGUR ALTHOMAS LAMBELIOT LECTURE1 2 0 7 16 David Robinson delivered this inaugural Thomas Lamb Eliot Lecture, which offereda spiritual autobiography of Ralph Waldo Emerson that traced the struggles and crises thatled him from spokesman for a newly emerging spirituality to a prominent role in the antislaverymovement and the political battle for the principle of emancipation. This new lecture series isnamed for a member of the first class (1862) of Washington University in St. Louis and the sonof the university’s founder, William Greenleaf Eliot. Professor Robinson is a Distinguished Professorof American Literature and Director of the Center for the Humanities at Oregon State Universityand is a renowned scholar of Emerson, Margaret Fuller, Henry David Thoreau, and other authorsconnected with the New England Transcendentalist movement.21. William H. Danforth and William Tragos discuss their interest in the lecture’s relevance to university histor y.2. Robinson considers a guest’s question as Leigh Schmidt listens. 3. Robinson greets one of the attendeesto his lecture in Umrath Lounge. 4. Robinson uncovers similar themes in the lives of Emerson and Eliot.121313

AT A GLANCELETTERSPUBLIC ENGAGEMENTLEADERSRESEARCH AND TEACHINGSUPPORTERSLOOKING FORWARDJohn C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics 2016-2017 Annual ReportTHE CHRISTIAN RIGHT AND SEXUAL ORIENTATIONGENDER IDENTITY (SOGI) HUMAN RIGHTS1. Burack draws a histor y ofthe Christian Right’s interactionwith human right s. 2. Burackanswers a student ’s questionat the reception following herlecture. 3. Student s absorbBurack’s lecture.0 2 0 9 17 In recent years, the U.S. government and the Christian conservative movementhave been at odds over SOGI human rights. While U.S. policy supports SOGI human rights, theChristian Right opposes these human rights and works to undermine their institutionalizationaround the world. In this talk, Cynthia Burack examined the Christian Right case againstSOGI human rights, as well as some of its hidden dimensions and internal contradictions.Professor Burack is professor of Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies at The Ohio StateUniversity. This lecture was cosponsored by the Law, Identity, and Culture Initiative of the LawSchool and The Workshop in Politics, Ethics and Society (WPES) in the Department of PoliticalScience in Arts & Sciences.1AN AMERICAN CONSCIENCE:THE REINHOLD NIEBUHR STORYFILM SCREENING AND PANEL DISCUSSION0 3 0 6 17 The Center was pleased to present with Eden Theological Seminary anadvance screening of this new documentary film, which explores the life and impact oftheologian Reinhold Niebuhr. The screening was followed by a panel discussion moderatedby Professor Marie Griffith, with panelists including the filmmaker Martin Doblmeier;Rev. Dr. David Greenhaw, President of Eden Seminary; and Dr. Healan Gaston,Harvard Divinity School.121. Filmmaker Martin Doblmeier discusses the evolution of his Niebuhr project as panelists Gaston andGreenhaw listen. 2. The film screening begins for the audience in Washington University’s Emerson Auditorium.3. Professor Robin Lovin, a film contributor, offers the audience his reflection about Niebuhr’s legacy.2314153

AT A GLANCE1LETTERSPUBLIC ENGAGEMENT2LEADERSRESEARCH AND TEACHINGSUPPORTERSLOOKING FORWARD3JEWS AND MUSLIMS TURN HATE TO HUMANITY:INTERFAITH COLLABORATION IN TIMESOF RELIGIOUS VIOLENCE1. El-Messidi learns from AnitaFeigenbaum, Executive Directorof a local Jewish cemetery, aboutdesecration to the site as MarieGriffith and Maharat Rori PickerNeiss listen. El-Messidi helpedlead a Muslim effort to raisefunds and presented a checkto Feigenbaum for repair.2. Andrew Rehfeld, MichaelGinsburg, and Tarek El-Messidipose for a picture after theon-stage conversation.3. A local Christian ministerasks a question of the Jewishand Muslim speakers duringthe Q&A portion of the event.0 3 0 8 17 Recent and recurring acts of violence against the American Jewish and Muslimcommunities remind us of the persistence of ethno-religious hate. Expressions of solidaritybetween Jews and Muslims in the wake of these events have shown that such hate can andshould be collectively addressed. Locally, the fundraising efforts by Muslim organizations suchas CelebrateMercy for Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery in the wake of recent desecration wereinspiring to our St. Louis community and to the wider nation. In this context, the Center waspleased to bring together two leaders from the Jewish and Muslim communities to talk deeplyabout what it means to partner and support one another across religious and political lines,despite potential differences on geopolitical issues. Director Marie Griffith moderateda conversation between Tarek El-Messidi, Founding Director of Philadelphia-basedCelebrateMercy, and Andrew Rehfeld, President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis.“ I was blown away by the dialogue. What struck me the most was theopenness and honesty they each brought with them to the conversation.It was an honor to witness and take part in that exchange.”— MAHARAT RORI PICKER NEISSEvent AttendeeExecutive Director, Jewish Community Relations CouncilEl-Messidi and Rehfeld offera model of productive dialoguedespite difference.1617

AT A GLANCELETTERSPUBLIC ENGAGEMENTLEADERSRESEARCH AND TEACHINGSUPPORTERSLOOKING FORWARDJohn C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics 2016-2017 Annual ReportHEALING A HOUSE DIVIDED0 4 0 4 17 The Most Reverend Michael Curry addressed an overflow crowd inthe University’s Graham Chapel with his message for the current time. He suggestedtwo ways to heal the country: by reviving human relationships across differenceand by reclaiming shared values and ideals instead of focusing on the divisionson issues. Curry is Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church and was introduced bySen. John C. Danforth, himself an ordained Episcopal priest, who believes there is greatvalue in religious institutions focusing beyond themselves and speaking to the nation.1“ High energy comes to mind when I think about Bishop Curry’s talk!His lecture about the revival of relationships and community calledus to action with a battle cry that “Love Transcends.” — LAURIE BROWNEvent Attendee22 311. Alejandro Flores-Brown (class of 2019), Katherine Story (class of 2018), and Natalie Spaulding (class of 2017)enjoy the Bishop’s address. 2. Curry energizes his audience with positive messages. 3. The audience enjoysCurry’s inclusion of a gospel song. 4. Jack Danforth prepares to introduce Bishop Curry to the audience.5. Curry spends a moment to greet The Rt. Rev. George Wayne Smith, bishop of the Episcopal Dioceseof Missouri, and his wife, Mrs. Debra Smith.After his lecture, Curry relishes the opportunityto meet attendees including local Episcopal priestThe Rev. Kelly Carlson.181945

AT A GLANCELETTERSPUBLIC ENGAGEMENTLEADERSJohn C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics 2016-2017 Annual ReportRESEARCH AND TEACHINGSUPPORTERSLOOKING FORWARDJohn C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics 2016-2017 Annual Report2016 -2017FACU LT Y E NGAGE M E N TREACHING BEYOND THE CLASSROOMACROSS THE UNITED STATESFaculty members extend the work of the Center byBEYOND THEUNITED STATESparticipating in conferences, seminars, lectures, andother exchanges in both academic and public arenas.2CHINAGERMANY13NEW ZEALAND20451. John Inazu speaks to anaudience eager to hear aboutthe idea of confident pluralism.2. Mark Valeri participates in aHeidelberg Center for AmericanStudies seminar. 3. Publicityfor Laurie Maffly-Kipp’s publiclecture at University of Auckland.4. Publicity for Marie Griffith’srecent Connell Lecture at LehighUniversity. 5. Lerone Martinaddresses the inaugural cohortof the Washington UniversityCollege Prep Program.

AT A GLANCELETTERSPUBLIC ENGAGEMENTLEADERSRESEARCH AND TEACHINGJohn C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics 2016-2017 Annual ReportSUPPORTERSLOOKING FORWARDJohn C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics 2016-2017 Annual ReportON L I N E JOU R NA L11. This year Managing EditorTiffany Stanley was one of fourreligion repor ters awardedthe American Association forthe Advancement of Science(A A AS) Science for ReligionReporters Award, which will offeropportunities for exposure toforefront science. Award winners(left to right) were Betsy Shirley,Sojourners magazine; Stanley;Lauren Markoe, Religion NewsService; and Julie Zauzmer,The Washington Post.2. Find the journal online atwww.religionandpolitics.org.3. Readers enjoy an improvedreading experience on theirmobile devices after the journal’srecent redesign.One of the Center’s most important projects, the online journal Religion & Politics offers animportant vehicle to link the foremost scholars and journalists who work on the subjects ofreligion and public life with a broader public audience. Stories this year have covered topicsincluding the history of Muslims in America, Neil Gorsuch’s views on religious freedom,immigration and the sanctuary movement, the legacy of Phyllis Schlafly, and the religious (orirreligious) worldviews of political figures including Ted Cruz, Bernie Sanders, Stephen Bannon,Mike Pence, Tim Kaine, Hillary Clinton, and Donald Trump. Our goal is to offer readers a deeperlook at the issues easily scrolled through on a social media feed or heard in sound bites onnetwork news shows. Find us online at www.religionandpolitics.org.5M2MB Y M AY 2 017S I N C E M AY 2 01 2PAGE VIEWSR EADERS20 7 1 9 16SELECTED ARTICLESFROM THE 2016-2017ACADEMIC YEARIT STARTSWITH THE STOP:AN ESSAY ON FAITH,RACE, AND LAWENFORCEMENTBy Leah Gunning Francis0 8 1 5 16THE MORALTRIBALISM OFCONTEMPORARYPOLITICSBy Michael Schulson1 2 1 4 16WHO ARE YOUCALLING ANANTI-SEMITE?JEWISH DEBATE INTRUMP’S AMERICABy Moshe Kornfeld01 17 17DONALD TRUMPAND MILITANTEVANGELICALMASCULINITYBy Kristin Du Mez301 3 0 17THERE HASNEVER BEENAN AMERICAWITHOUTMUSLIMSBy Amir Hussain0 4 2 5 By Gene Zubovich

AT A GLANCELETTERSPUBLIC ENGAGEMENTLEADERSRESEARCH AND TEACHINGSUPPORTERSLOOKING FORWARDJohn C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics 2016-2017 Annual ReportDY N A MICL E A DE R SA cohort of outstanding scholars and teachers, academicassociates, trusted advisors, and talented staff guidesthe Center’s work toward its goals. Our faculty representsome of the foremost scholars in their fields and ourpostdoctoral fellowship program supports exceptionallypromising early-career scholars who teach and pursuemajor research projects while in residence. The Centeris enriched by fostering intellectual and collaborativeopportunities among Center faculty and fellows, as wellas across the wider university and beyond.Laurie Maffly-Kipp offers herperspective in a recent meetingof the Center’s Colloquium.2425

AT A GLANCELETTERSPUBLIC ENGAGEMENTLEADERSRESEARCH AND TEACHINGJohn C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics 2016-2017 Annual ReportR. MARIE GRIFFITHProfessor Griffith obtained her undergraduatedegree at the University of Virginia in Politicaland Social Thought and her Ph.D. in the studyof religion from Harvard University. She heldconsecutive postdoctoral fellowships atPrinceton University and NorthwesternUniversity before joining the Princetonfaculty as associate director of the Centerfor the Study of Religion. She earned tenurein 2003 and was promoted to Professor ofReligion in 2005. While at Princeton, Griffithdirected the women and gender studiesprogram, and she was awarded both thePresident’s Award for Distinguished Teachingand the Cotsen Fellowship for DistinguishedTeaching. She spent two years on the HarvardFACULTYUniversity faculty as the John A. BartlettProfessor before moving to WashingtonUniversity in 2011. In 2015 she was appointeda Distinguished Lecturer for the Organizationof American Historians.John Inazu is the Sally D. DanforthDistinguished Professor of Law and Religion,a dual appointment in the WashingtonUniversity Law School and the Center onReligion and Politics.Her first major publication was God’sDaughters: Evangelical Women and thePower of Submission (University of CaliforniaPress, 1997), which examines the practicesand perceptions of contemporary evangelicalwomen. Her other books, edited volumes, andarticles exhibit Griffith’s varied scholarship.Her next book, scheduled for fall 2017, is titledMoral Combat: How Sex Divided AmericanChristians and Fractured American Politics.Inazu’s scholarship focuses on the FirstAmendment freedoms of speech, assembly,and religion, and related questions of legaland political theory. His first book, Liberty’sRefuge: The Forgotten Freedom of Assembly(Yale University Press, 2012), seeks to recoverthe role of assembly in American politicaland constitutional thought. His second bookis Confident Pluralism: Surviving and ThrivingThrough Deep Difference (University ofChicago Press, 2016). Professor Inazu wasthe special editor of a volume on law andtheology published in Law and ContemporaryProblems, and his articles have appeared in anumber of law reviews and specialty journals.He has written broadly for mainstreamaudiences in publications including USAToday, CNN, and The Washington Post.Griffith is a frequent media commentator andpublic speaker on current issues pertainingto religion and politics, including the changingprofile of American evangelicals and ongoingconflicts over gender, sexuality, and marriage.“ Engaging with those whose positions are the furthest from mine hasbeen one of the most rewarding parts of Professor Griffith’s class. Open,honest, and respectful dialogue builds empathy and bridges divides.”“ I’ve been privileged to havethe opportunity to speak aboutconfident pluralism on collegecampuses around the countryand even as far away as China.It is gratifying to have such anenthusiastic engagement withmy ideas.”— JOHN INAZUFacultyof Law and a Royster Fellow at the Universityof North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He clerkedfor Judge Roger L. Wollman of the U.S. Courtof Appeals for the Eighth Circuit and servedfor four years as an associate generalcounsel with the Department of theAir Force at the Pentagon.Inazu earned his Ph.D. at the Universityof North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and hisJ.D. and B.S.E. at Duke University.Professor Inazu was the law school’s 2014David M. Becker Professor of the Year. Priorto joining the law faculty, he was a visitingassistant professor at Duke University School— CHLOE ZACKWashington University, Class of 202026LOOKING FORWARDJohn C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics 2016-2017 Annual ReportFACULTY DIRECTORMarie Griffith, the John C. DanforthDistinguished Professor in the Humanitiesat Washington University in St. Louis, iscurrently the director of the John C. DanforthCenter on Religion and Politics and the editorof the Center’s journal, Religion & Politics.SUPPORTERS27JOHN INAZU

AT A GLANCELETTERSPUBLIC ENGAGEMENTJohn C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics 2016-2017 Annual ReportLEADERSRESEARCH AND TEACHINGSUPPORTERSLOOKING FORWARDJohn C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics 2016-2017 Annual ReportFACULTYLaurie Maffly-Kipp joined the Centerin 2013 and is the Archer AlexanderDistinguished Professor.LAURIE MAFFLY-KIPPMaffly-Kipp’s research and teaching focuson African American religions, Mormonism,religion on the Pacific borderlands of theAmericas, and issues of interculturalcontact. Her publications are many andinclude Religion and Society in FrontierCalifornia (Yale University Press, 1994),where she explored the nature of Protestantspiritual practices in Gold Rush California,and Setting Down the Sacred Past: AfricanAmerican Race Histories (Harvard UniversityPress, 2010). Currently she is working on asurvey of Mormonism in American life thatwill be published by Basic Books.She is the recipient of numerous fellowshipsand grants, including a grant for a collaborativeproject on the History of Christian Practicefrom the Lilly Endowment, Inc., fellowshipsat the National Humanities Center, and anNEH Fellowship for University Professors.Her work in African American religion washonored with the James W.C. Pennington“ We provide a space to engage inconversation across traditionsand deep religious and politicaldivides in a moment when suchspaces are in short supply.”— LAURIE MAFFLY-KIPPFacultyAward from the University of Heidelberg in2014. Maffly-Kipp is a past president of theAmerican Society of Church History andthe Mormon History Association.Prior to joining the Center, Maffly-Kipp taughtfor twenty-four years at University of NorthCarolina at Chapel Hill in Religious Studiesand American Studies. She earned her B.A.from Amherst College in English and Religion,summa cum laude, and completed the Ph.D.in American History at Yale University withdistinction (1990).Lerone A. Martin joined the faculty of theJohn C. Danforth Center on Religion andPolitics as Assistant Professor of Religionand Politics in 2014 after a one-yearpostdoctoral fellowship with the Center.the role of the phonograph in the shaping ofAfrican American religion, culture, and politicsduring the first half of the twentieth century.Currently he is researching the historicrelationship between religion and the F.B.I.Martin earned his B.A. from AndersonUniversity and his Master of Divinity Degreefrom Princeton Theological Seminary beforecompleting his Ph.D. at Emory University in2011. Prior to coming to Washington University,Martin was Assistant Professor of AmericanReligious History and Culture at EdenTheological Seminary.In support of his research, Martin hasreceived fellowships from the LouisvilleInstitute for the Study of American Religion,Emory University’s Howard Hughes MedicalInstitute, The Fund for Theological Education,and Princeton University’s Program (nowCenter) for African American Studies. Martinwas selected as a member of the YoungScholars in American Religion 2014-2016cohort and The Woodrow Wilson NationalFellowship Foundation named him a 2017Nancy Weiss Malkiel Scholar.His first book project was the award-winningPreaching on Wax: The Phonograph and theMaking of Modern African American Religion(New York University Press, 2014), which t

and Eboo Patel as part of the Danforth Dialogues event at Washington University's Graham Chapel on October 8, 2016. ABOUT THE INSIDE FRONT COVER Aliza Astrow (class of 2019) asks a question . FACEBOOK LIKES AND FOLLOWERS TWITTER FOLLOWERS 2016-2017 AT A GLANCE DANFORTH DIALOGUES : ENVISIONING THE FUTURE OF RELIGION AND POLITICS IN AMERICA PG 08