Fuller Seminary Secures $1.2M Templeton Grant for Interfaith Pluralism Fellowship Program

Fuller Theological Seminary's Mouw Institute received a $1.2 million Templeton grant for the Templeton Pluralism Fellowship, which will support 12 emerging leaders from Christian and Muslim communities in researching pluralism and democratic life. The program, led by Drs. Shadi Hamid and Matthew Kaemingk, aims to promote understanding between the two faiths and create resources for pluralism. The initiative is set to begin in 2025, emphasizing interfaith dialogue and collaboration.

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the need for dialogue and collaboration between different faiths and communities has never been more pressing. In recognition of this, Fuller Theological Seminary's Richard John Mouw Institute of Faith and Public Life has been awarded a significant grant from the Templeton Religion Trust. This $1.2 million grant will support the Templeton Pluralism Fellowship, an innovative program designed to bring together emerging leaders from the Christian and Muslim communities to research and promote pluralism and democratic life.

The fellowship, led by esteemed scholars Drs. Shadi Hamid and Matthew Kaemingk, aims to create a safe and respectful space for dialogue and learning. Over the course of several years, the fellows will engage in rigorous research, exploring the deep religious and political differences that exist between their faiths. Through this process, they will develop valuable resources for promoting pluralism and democratic life within their respective communities.

Hamid, a renowned columnist for the Washington Post and an expert on Islam in contemporary politics, has been appointed as a research faculty member in Islamic Studies at Fuller Seminary. Kaemingk, a public theologian and scholar, has a deep commitment to interfaith dialogue and collaboration. Together, they will create a multi-faith learning environment where pluralism is studied and practiced by the fellows as they engage with one another.

The significance of this endeavor cannot be overstated. In today's polarized world, where misunderstandings and misconceptions often fuel conflict and division, the need for dialogue and understanding between different faiths and communities is more important than ever. By fostering a deeper understanding of the similarities and differences between Christianity and Islam, the Templeton Pluralism Fellowship will help to build bridges of understanding and promote a more peaceful and inclusive world.

This initiative is set to begin in 2025 and will undoubtedly have a profound impact on interfaith relations in the United States and beyond. Fuller Seminary President David Emmanuel Goatley has expressed his gratitude for the Templeton Religion Trust's support and his enthusiasm for the project. "Creating bridges of understanding between Christians and Muslims is vital, and will be incredibly valuable as we forge new paths toward the future," he said.

For more information on the Templeton Pluralism Fellowship and Fuller Theological Seminary, please visit the following web links:

[1] Fuller Seminary's press release on the Templeton grant: https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2024/10/16/2964434/0/en/Fuller-Seminary-s-Mouw-Institute-Awarded-1-2-million-Templeton-Grant-for-Research-Fellowships.html

[2] Fuller Seminary's website on the Mouw Institute of Faith and Public Life: https://www.fuller.edu/mouw-institute/

[3] Dr. Shadi Hamid's bio on the Fuller Seminary website: https://www.fuller.edu/mouw-institute/faculty/shadi-hamid/

[4] Dr. Matthew Kaemingk's bio on the Fuller Seminary website: https://www.fuller.edu/mouw-institute/faculty/matthew-kaemingk/