Mark Berkson, professor of religion, was a scholar-in-residence for the Faith and Justice Coalition in Fort Worth, Texas, July 3-5. Berkson gave three talks and led a community conversation at various houses of worship.
During the residency, Berkson focused on the role of religion in politics and civil society, and the implications of the U.S. Supreme Court decisions on church-state separation for the future of democracy
“I want everyone to be informed about the history of religious freedom in our nation, and to understand the debates over the interpretation and application of the religion clauses of the First Amendment in our multifaith nation,” Berkson said.
On July 3, Berkson spoke at Beth El congregation on "Reflections on Our Nation's 250th Birthday: Religious Diversity, Pluralism and the Threat of Christian Nationalism."
On July 4, Berkson led a conversation on "Religion, Politics and the Future of Democracy" at Makom Shelanu.
On July 5, he gave two talks at Broadway Baptist Church: "The Vanishing Wall – The Disappearing Separation between Church and State" and "Religious Freedom and Its Limits – When Democratic Values Collide.”
Berkson noted that the topics discussed during the three-day residency are reflected in his teaching, including courses that explore religion, politics, and law in America, and experiences of religious minorities throughout American history.