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Interview with Hans Gustafson, Ph.D. and John Merkle, Ph.D.

Mar 28, 2023

Featured Organizational Partner: Jay Phillips Center for Interreligious Studies at the University of St. Thomas and Jay Phillips Center for Interfaith Learning at Saint John’s University

We were delighted to have a conversation with Dr. John Merkle and Dr. Hans Gustafson about the compelling work they do at each of the Jay Phillips Centers. The activities of the two centers show that there are opportunities for interfaith dialogue throughout the state, whether you are in the Twin Cities or Greater Minnesota. Their work also shows that interfaith connections are not only necessary, they can be joyful and transcendent.


The Jay Phillips Center for Interfaith Learning at Saint John’s University has its roots in the university’s Jay Phillips Chair in Jewish Studies, established in 1969 and named after the Jewish philanthropist who endowed it. The Jay Phillips Center for Interreligious Studies at the University of St. Thomas has its roots in the university's Center for Jewish-Christian Learning, which was established in 1985. In 1996, the centers became a joint enterprise. In 2009, the center's mission was expanded to interfaith learning in general and it was given its new name to reflect that.

In 2017, the center was divided into two partner centers. Dr. Merkle said, “Given the different constituencies and the very different situations of the two branches, I thought it was time to move back to two separate entities that collaborate.” Dr. Merkle was appointed the director of the Jay Phillips Center at Saint John’s University and Dr. Gustafson was appointed the director of the Jay Phillips Center at the University of St. Thomas. Dr. Gustafson said, “They are both Catholic universities but they do have their own separate cultures based on where they are and the students they draw. Being separate centers allows us to be more nimble with our programming, to serve what might be unique about each of our campuses.” St. Thomas serves a diverse urban population and about half of their event attendees are from the general community. Saint John’s events primarily draw in students and faculty from the university and the College of Saint Benedict. They also collaborate with the growing Somali community in St. Cloud and coordinate student visits to local mosques.

Ayan Omar, Director of Equity Services for the St. Cloud School District, interacting with audience at a Jay Phillips Center event at Saint John's University


“By far the most rewarding part of directing the center is the relationships, the people that I get to interact and work with in the community, such as collaboration partners at other institutions and nonprofits. The relationships are rich and I can't imagine doing it without that,” said Dr. Gustafson. Minnesota Multifaith Network is honored to be one of the partners in organizing a day-long Multifaith Leadership Workshop with the Interfaith Fellows Program of the Jay Phillips Center at St. Thomas, taking place on Saturday, May 6. The keynote address will be given by Simran Jeet Singh, Ph.D., the Executive Director of the Religion & Society Program at the Aspen Institute and the author of the national bestseller The Light We Give: How Sikh Wisdom Can Transform Your Life. In this lecture, he will draw from his personal experiences and from hate incidents he has witnessed firsthand to share the wisdom he has gained on what it really takes to choose love over hate. The lecture and workshop are free and open to the public. Participants who attend the lecture do not need to attend the workshop, but are welcome to. Learn more about the workshop at this link, and learn more about the keynote at this link.


This spring, the Jay Phillips Center at Saint John’s is hosting a series of concerts and conversations called Echoes of the Divine: A Dialogue between Jewish and Christian Musical Traditions, featuring Amy Grinsteiner (piano), Thomas Schönberg (cello), and David Jordan Harris (moderator). “It’s apt because the center has roots in the chair in Jewish Studies and always promoted interfaith dialogue between Jews and Christians. The concerts are not only drawing on music from these two traditions but are also facilitating dialogue. What in this Jewish music speaks to the hearts of Christians? What in the Christian music can speak to the hearts of Jews? How can we have a better appreciation for each other’s traditions as a result of this?” said Dr. Merkle. The concerts will take place at Saint John's University on Monday, April 3 and Thursday, April 20. Learn more at this link. A concert by the same title and musicians is being held at the University of Saint Thomas on April 25. Learn more at this link.


Dr. Merkle said, “Many people feel that interfaith dialogue can water down or attenuate their faith. This is not my experience at all. My experience for so many years now is that students feel spiritually enriched through interfaith dialogue. They can find there is a way to be faithful to their own tradition while acknowledging the goodness, truth, and beauty in other traditions. Hans and I have been working to try to help others find that. There are so many people who are pushing back against the interfaith movement. I think it’s wrongheaded because I think that young people in particular, and people of any age, can find a new lease on their life of faith through interfaith engagement.”


“When students and nonstudents get into interfaith dialogue, they find there’s nothing to be afraid of. What happens most of the time is that people grow in their own worldview, rather than watering it down. They realize there is a space for them. Even if they’re non-religious or have a secular way of life, there’s room for them to join the conversation. Sometimes that is a misconception that there are borders around who can and cannot participate. I want people to know that truly all voices are welcome and we’re stronger together when we have all voices at the table. Great minds don’t need to think alike,” said Dr. Gustafson.


To get connected with the Jay Phillips Center for Interreligious Studies at the University of St. Thomas, visit their website, join their mailing list, and find them on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

To get connected with the Jay Phillips Center for Interfaith Learning at Saint John’s University, visit their website or send an email to JPC@CSBSJU.EDU and ask to be added to their mailing list.

MnMN is now accepting applications for Multifaith Leadership Training Program

By Jen Kilps • 11 Apr, 2024
The Minnesota Multifaith Network (MnMN) in partnership with the Jay Phillips Center for Interreligious Studies at the University of St. Thomas is conducting a joint Multifaith Leadership Training. Participants will be non-students from Minnesota to join student Interfaith Fellows from St. Thomas and other Minnesota colleges. Eligibility: Persons under the age of 35 interested in developing transferable dialogue skills for leadership and for strengthening multifaith relations in the broader community. No prior experience is expected. Time Commitment: The seminar meets six times by Zoom for 75 minutes approximately every other week during September to November, 2024. Days and times of sessions will be determined based on availability of participants. The program concludes with an in-person public workshop in the spring of 2025. The workshop will involve local scholars, experts, trainers, and leaders. Content: Topics include dialogue, interfaith dialogue, identity, key tools of dialogical communication, the righting reflex and motivational interviewing, courage and vulnerability for leadership, and empathy in religiously diverse contexts (e.g., DEI, workplace, public life). Topics subject to change. Stipend: Accepted participants receive an all-inclusive honorarium ($400 each) to put towards attending the six online sessions and travel/lodging for the in-person workshop. Apply by May 15, 2024 To apply, completer and submit the application form: Multifaith Leadership Training Application To indicate interest or get more information, contact Jen Kilps, MnMN Network Executive at jkilps@mnmultifaith.org Applications will be accepted until May 15, 2024

"Multifaith Leadership and Engagement in a Fractured World": at 200 Attendees Strong, Workshop a "Remarkable Success"

By Hajra Zaid • 08 Mar, 2024
The workshop convened on March 3rd at St. Olaf College, featuring a keynote dialogue between Rabbi Dr. Rachel S. Mikva and Professor Najeeba Syeed

Saint Peter Good Neighbor Diversity Council's Festival of Nations - Saturday, May 18

20 Feb, 2024
Save the date for the 2nd Annual St. Peter Festival of Nations! Brought to you by the Saint Peter Good Neighbor Diversity Council and community partners. Johnson Hall and Nicollet County Fairgrounds for both indoor and outdoor festivities. All are welcome, always. Stay tuned for all the details, performances, foods, arts, music, vendors, international fair, and more! Saturday, May 18, 1:00 - 7:00 pm, 400 Union St, St Peter, MN 56082 Learn more here!

Jay Phillips Center's Zen Buddhist Insights for Self-Awareness, Mental Health, and Wellness, Presented by Busshō Lahn - Tuesday, March 19

20 Feb, 2024
The benefits of meditative practices have been intuited for millennia, but now science has clearly observed the connection between mental wellness and curious self-awareness. The practice of mindfulness is now mainstream, and we're beginning to ask deeper questions about what it really is, and about what it might be able to show us: What is the relationship between our mental health and our spirituality? What do words like compassion and wisdom mean for me in this age of anxiety? How are qualities like resiliency, courage, clarity, and kindness made available to us? In this program, Busshō Lahn draws upon insights from the Zen Buddhist tradition to address possible approaches to these questions based on his new book, Singing and Dancing Are the Voice of the Law (2022). Tuesday, March 19, 12:00 - 1:10 pm, Iverson Center for Faith, Schoenecker Multipurpose Room C (LL16C) University of St. Thomas, St. Paul campus Learn more here!

An Introduction to Islam and Muslims Presented by John Emery of Islamic Resource Group - Thursday, March 7

20 Feb, 2024
Learning and conversation with the Islamic Resource Group and friends of the Saint Peter Good Neighbor Diversity Council. All are welcome! Free welcome meal at 6pm, presentation with Q&A at 7pm What does Islam teach? What do Muslims practice? Differences between religion and culture. Terminology. Demographics. Beliefs and practices of Muslims including important religious celebrations. An excellent opportunity to dialogue with St. Peter neighbors who practice Islam, to increase understanding, build awareness, ask questions, and make new connections. Thursday, March 7, 7:00 pm, St. Peter Community Center, 600 S 5th St, Room 219 aka Senior Ctr, St Peter, MN 56082 Learn more here!

Luther Seminary's 2024 Rutlen Lecture on Faith and Creation: Science, Truth, and Christian Faith in a Time of Eco-Crisis - Tuesday, February 27

20 Feb, 2024
Join Luther Seminary on February 27, 2024, for an evening with ecologist and lay theologian Rick Lindroth. Professor Lindroth will deliver the 2024 Rutlen Lecture on Faith and Creation, “Science, Truth, and Christian Faith in a Time of Eco-Crisis.” The ecological polycrisis confronting the world today is unparalleled in human history and threatens to unravel, within decades, the very fabric of civilization. Long battered by the “dominion” theology of Christianity, the global environment has suffered further in recent decades because of entrapment in a vortex of science denialism, political polarization, and cultural tribalism. Nonetheless, as a faith system committed to truth, hope, and unity across cultural divides, Christianity also provides a path forward. Rick Lindroth argues for a re-wilding of the Christian ethic of creation care—one that promotes enchantment, connection, reciprocity, and justice—for the betterment of humanity and flourishing of the living world. This event is free and open to the public, with no registration required. The lecture will be livestreamed via YouTube for those unable to attend in person. Rutlen Lecture on Faith and Creation with Rick Lindroth Tuesday, February 27, 2024 7 p.m. Location: Chapel of the Incarnation, Olson Campus Center 1490 Fulham Street, St. Paul, MN 55108 Learn more here!

Lamb of God, Easter Oratorio, Minnesota Saints Chorale and Orchestra - March 15 & 16

20 Feb, 2024
Come and celebrate the Easter season with this beautiful oratorio. The music depicts the last days of the life of Jesus Christ told through the experiences of those who witnessed them – those He knew and loved. Featuring 13 soloists, orchestra, and full choir. The concert will be held at the Benson Great Hall. Invite your friends and don’t miss this beloved community tradition! For ages 8 and up. Tickets for reserved seating are $16 in advance or at the event. Doors open at 7 PM. “Rush” seating begins at 7:15 PM for any remaining seats, at $5 per seat. Live Stream tickets are $6 and available for the Saturday, March 16th performance. TICKETS- FRI MAR 15 TICKETS- SAT MAR 16 Learn more here!

Rise & Repair Lobby and Rally Day, MNIPL and The Rise & Repair Alliance - Tuesday, March 12

20 Feb, 2024
Building on the success of last year, we're going for round two ~ Join us for a full day of amazing organizing at the MN Capitol! This is the big day! The event will include training, visits with legislators, a march & rally in the rotunda to advance the movement around Climate Justice & Indigenous Rights. More information about this event will be coming soon. Please RSVP so we can make the most of this opportunity to advance the movement around Indigenous Rights & Climate Justice during the 2024 Legislative Session! Let us know in the form if you have any interest in volunteering. Note: Your address information will help us organize attendees by districts - we cannot guarantee meetings with all legislators, but will do our best! Thank you for helping us streamline this. WHEN March 12, 2024 at 9:00am - 4pm WHERE Minnesota State Capitol 75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Saint Paul, MN 55155 Google map and directions Register here!

Taking Heart Ramadan Iftar Meals

20 Feb, 2024
Taking Heart is a long-running program coordinated by Minnesota Council of Churches and the Muslim American Society of Minnesota (MAS-MN) to bring Christians and members of other faith communities together with Muslims for food and conversation during Ramadan. Ramadan is a blessed month of the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the “five pillars” of Islam and is performed to learn piety, self-restraint, compassion, and generosity. Iftars will include opening remarks and welcome with a recitation of the Quran and the call to prayer; a presentation on Islam and Ramadan and its customs; breakout groups where a number of topics can be discussed. Multiple dates during Ramadan. In 2024 Ramadan falls between March 10 and April 9. Locations throughout the state. Additional sites will be added to the registration list as the information becomes available. Find dates/locations and register here!

Save the Date for Augsburg's 2024 Interfaith Symposium: Building Trust in Divisive Times - Thursday, March 7

19 Feb, 2024
An annual invitation to build community, foster collaboration, and create a more caring world through learning about religious/spiritual/worldview diversity, participating in enriching dialogue, and networking with exceptional interfaith leaders. As the most ethnically diverse campus in the Midwest, Augsburg University embraces students with a variety of religious beliefs and worldviews. Join us for this opportunity to learn about building partnerships across differences and how to face the future with hope and determination. The keynote lecture will be given by Manu Meel, who is passionate about empowering young people to bridge divides. He believes that the biggest threat to American democracy is polarization. As CEO of BridgeUSA, Manu is leading the largest and fastest growing student movement to bridge our differences. Thursday, March 7, 10:30 am – 2:00 pm, Hoversten Chapel, Foss Center, Augsburg University, 2211 Riverside Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55454 Learn more and register here!
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