Dialogue Institute

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Dialogue Institute We train and equip leaders to be agents of change in the U.S.

and around the globe who work to practice pluralism, democracy, and advance understanding, compassion, and dialogue across difference through civic, religious, and academic leadership. The Dialogue Institute (DI), based at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA, works to transform the world into a global community by fostering interreligious and intercultural scholarship, understanding and cooperation. A nonprofit organization founded in 1978, the DI trains religious, civic and academic leaders in practicing the skills of respectful dialogue and critical thinking, building and sustaining transformative relationships across lines of religion and culture. It provides resources and creates networks for intra- and interreligious scholarship and action that value difference and foster human dignity. The related Journal of Ecumenical Studies (JES) advances critical awareness of the latest directions in ecumenical and interreligious research. Established in 1964 initially with an intra-Christian focus, JES soon evolved into an organ of Christian-Jewish dialogue and then further expanded to include all of the world's major religions and ideologoes, including atheism. It continues as the premier peer-reviewed journal in intrareligious, interreligious and interideological dialogue around the world.

Last night, we were honored to participate in a bridge-building conversation at the University of Pennsylvania's Spiritu...
10/15/2026

Last night, we were honored to participate in a bridge-building conversation at the University of Pennsylvania's Spiritual and Religious Life Center. The panel included presentations by scholars of Jewish and Muslim history, as well as a discussion with contemporary interfaith leaders.

Happening Today at the University of Pennsylvania Spiritual and Religious Life Center! 📣  Today's panel will include pre...
10/14/2026

Happening Today at the University of Pennsylvania Spiritual and Religious Life Center! 📣 Today's panel will include presentations by scholars of Jewish and Muslim history, as well as a discussion with contemporary interfaith leaders. Learn more and register here: https://chaplain.upenn.edu/250th/

Featured Panelists include:
- Beth Wenger, Historian and Professor, University of Pennsylvania
- Zain Abdullah, Historian and Associate Professor Emeritus, Temple University
- Ari Gordon, American Jewish Committee, Director of Muslim-Jewish Relations
- Majid Alsayegh, Co-director of Penn's Office of Religious and Ethnic Interests

Happening this Thursday at Temple University! We're excited to be part of another screening of In Pursuit: Philadelphia ...
10/13/2026

Happening this Thursday at Temple University! We're excited to be part of another screening of In Pursuit: Philadelphia and the Making of America. 🎥

Panelists:
- Bryant Simon, Laura H. Carnell Professor of History, Temple University
- Timothy Wellbeck, Director of the Center for Anti-Racism, Temple University
Moderator: David Krueger, Executive Director of the Dialogue Institute

There will also be a special appearance by documentary producer and writer, Nathaniel Popkin.

This program is co-sponsored by Temple University’s Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, Advocacy, and Leadership (IDEAL) and the Dialogue Institute.

OPEN TO ALL K-12 EDUCATORS!💡 Pennsylvania is widely known as the birthplace of American democracy, but it is also the bi...
10/08/2026

OPEN TO ALL K-12 EDUCATORS!💡 Pennsylvania is widely known as the birthplace of American democracy, but it is also the birthplace of American religious freedom. Pennsylvania's Quaker founder, William Penn, established a colony that welcomed people from a wide range of religious commitments.

This webinar will provide an orientation to Pennsylvania's complex religious landscape and offer K-12 teachers resources to help their students unearth and contextualize stories related to religious life.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/58idKcZxTRiveni-QZSt7A

ON THIS DAY IN 1776: The Pennsylvania Constitution of 1776 was ratified. Drafted by leaders such as Benjamin Franklin, t...
09/28/2026

ON THIS DAY IN 1776: The Pennsylvania Constitution of 1776 was ratified. Drafted by leaders such as Benjamin Franklin, this document was among the most radically democratic and egalitarian state constitutions in North America. It removed property requirements for voting, allowing many working-class men to vote for the first time, and created a single-house legislature to keep power closer to the people.

The Preamble's invocation of the "Author of existence" and the Declaration of Rights' guarantee of freedom of conscience were groundbreaking provisions that were a big step away from forcing everyone to follow one specific church, which was common in other colonies. It promised freedom of conscience, meaning people could attend worship (or not) as they wished without fear of punishment.

However, this freedom had a distinct limitation. The constitution required legislators to make a declaration acknowledging the divine inspiration of the Old and New Testaments. This specific theological litmus test effectively barred Jews, who do not accept the New Testament, and freethinkers or atheists, who rejected scriptural authority entirely, from holding public office.

This contradiction highlights a pivotal moment in American history: the legal and cultural shift from religious uniformity to the protection of religious freedom was gaining momentum. Yet, there were limits to this freedom. The Pennsylvania Constitution of 1776 stands as a testament to how even the most progressive founders of the era struggled to separate democratic ideals from the dominant Protestant worldview that shaped their understanding.

Did you know that on this day in 1758, the cornerstone of St. Peter's Church was laid? For more hidden history, follow  ...
09/21/2026

Did you know that on this day in 1758, the cornerstone of St. Peter's Church was laid? For more hidden history, follow on Instagram! 🔍

Want to learn more about St. Peter's? Visit our app to learn more: https://religiousfreedomtrails.stqry.app/

Upcoming Tour: Religion and Freedom in Historic GermantownSaturday, October 10, 2026 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM📣Get tickets...
09/21/2026

Upcoming Tour: Religion and Freedom in Historic Germantown
Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

📣Get tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tour-religion-and-freedom-in-historic-germantown-tickets-1997151310331

This two-hour walking tour will begin at Market Square at the corner of Church Lane and Germantown Avenue (across from Uncle Bobbie's Coffee and Books) and follow Germantown Avenue along the northern edge of the Germantown Colonial Historic District, highlighting the various religious and intellectual groups who were present in early Germantown, including Quakers, Mennonites, Moravians, Reformed Lutherans, and natural scientists.

Join us at St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church on Monday, October 5 from 6:00–8:30 PM for a special screening from In Pu...
09/16/2026

Join us at St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church on Monday, October 5 from 6:00–8:30 PM for a special screening from In Pursuit: Philadelphia and the Making of America 🎥

Get tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/in-pursuit-philadelphia-and-the-making-of-america-tickets-1995497062431?aff=oddtdtcreator

St. Augustine's is itself a site of that history — the original church was burned to the ground during the Nativist riots of 1844, a defining moment of anti-Catholic violence in American history. This evening invites audiences to step into that history and reflect on the enduring fight for freedom, equity, and civic power.

Following the screening, guests are invited to stay for a powerful conversation with Katie Oxx, PhD, Father Chris of St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church, and Pastor Bill of St. George's United Methodist Church. Conversation moderated by David Krueger.

Address

642 Mazur Hall, 1114 W. Polett Walk
Philadelphia, PA
19122

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