The place of religion in public life is a matter of increasing debate in the media and in communities nationally and internationally.
- For some, religious traditions which influence society create challenges which need to be addressed.
- The connection between religious commitments and issues of human rights, legal protections or constraints on faith communities, as well as issues of constitutional change need dispassionate examination in modern pluralistic societies.
- The Centre is intended to be interdisciplinary, and totally independent of any ideological commitment.
The Aims of the Centre
The Centre for the Study of Religion in Public Life is committed to an open exchange of ideas.
- The Centre will include not just the voices of Christianity or other major religions, but also those who are sceptical about allowing religion to have a role in public debate or policy. Only through the contribution of many voices can the complexity of these issues in the contemporary world be addressed.
- The Centre is committed to the view and understanding that religion cannot be ignored as an important component in contemporary human life, and that the significance of this deserves serious academic investigation.
- The Centre will introduce serious academic scholarship to the relationship between religion and public life.
- The Centre will endeavour to provide resources for both civil and religious organisations as they discuss and formulate policy.
The Objectives of the Centre
The Centre for the Study of Religion in Public Life, as a centre of excellence, will encourage interdisciplinary debate, drawing together leaders in civil society, politicians, academics and businessmen, to reflect on the issues and challenges concerned with religion in public life. It will do this by:
- Hosting regular seminars, lectures, and international conferences
- Organising major Public Lectures by academics and others involved in the formation of public policy.
- Stimulating original research and major publications.
- Welcoming visiting scholars.
- Providing a home for self-funded research projects connected with aspects of the Centre’s work.
The setting of the Centre
Established in 1990, Kellogg College is a graduate college within the University Of Oxford. This relationship with Kellogg College allows the Centre direct access to important physical and intellectual University resources. This setting facilitates the Centre’s ability to:
- Collaborate with other research projects across the University on topics such as law, religion and human rights.
- Actively draw upon people and resources from all relevant fields, including public, private, religious and non-religious segments of the global community.
- Utilise its status as an Oxford University Centre to engage in dialogue with academic and other institutions worldwide focusing on religion and public policy.
Membership of the Executive Committee:
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Professor Roger Trigg - Academic Director |
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Dr Robin Gibbons - Administrative Director |
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Canon Vincent Strudwick
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Dr Basil Mustafa
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Ms Jitka Fort - Director of Development |
Contact details:
Dr Robin Gibbons robin.gibbons@kellogg.ox.ac.uk
Jitka Fort jitka.fort@kellogg.ox.ac.uk