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

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.

2026 Interfaith Symposium: Healing the Earth, healing ourselves

By Bob Hulteen • March 13, 2026
Wednesday, March 25, Noon keynote and 1:00 p.m. lunch; Sateren Auditorium, Augsburg University, 2211 Riverside Avenue, Minneapolis Rev. Jen Bailey will keynote this year's Interfaith Symposium. The theme is "Healing the Earth, Healing Ourselves." Rev. Bailey is an ordained minister and national leader in the multi-faith movement for interfaith understanding and justice. She currently serves as Executive Director of the Dan and Margaret Maddox Fund, a Nashville-based philanthropic foundation investing in the leadership of young people and the vitality of the natural environment. After the keynote join us for a luncheon and panel conversation with Augsburg students and corporate leaders. Augsburg University’s Interfaith Symposium is 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. Learn More or Register: augsburg.edu/interfaith26

2026 Mahle Lecture to Address 'Just Resistance' Over the Long Haul

By Bob Hulteen • March 13, 2026
Thursday, March 26, dinner at 5:30 p.m., lecture at 7:00 p.m.; Kay Fredericks Room, Klas Center, Hamline University, West Taylor Avenue, St. Paul Minnesotans have born witness to the critical place faith communities have in meeting the moment when crisis comes: Now how do we keep at it when there’s no end in sight? The faith communities and wisdom gatherings that make up Interfaith Action of Greater Saint Paul have worked for nearly thirty years to shelter families and build pathways toward stability and mobility through Project Home. This year’s Mahle Lecture, under the theme "Just Resilience: How to Stay in the Struggle for the Long Haul," will be an opportunity to explore resilience rooted in different faith traditions, specifically using the fight to end homelessness as a case study for what “just resilience” looks like in practice. If you have questions about the event, contact Chaplain Kelly Figueroa-Ray or Rev. Rachel McIver Morey. 

MICAH's Metro-wide Policy Breakfast

By Bob Hulteen • March 13, 2026
MICAH's Metro-wide Policy Breakfast on Housing is Scheduled Thursday, March 26, 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.; Christ on Capitol Hill Lutheran Church, 105 University Avenue West, St. Paul Under the theme "Loving Our Neighbors," MICAH will host it's annual housing policy breakfast at Christ on Capitol Hill Lutheran Church on Thursday, March 26. Breakfast and relationship building will begin at 9:00 a.m., with presentations on policy issues to follow at 9:30 a.m. The event will include an online option as well. Information about that will be available on the MICAH website closer to the event. For more information, contact Sue Watlov Phillips or John Slade . 

Beacon Hiring Including Senior Organizer

By Bob Hulteen • February 17, 2026
Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative believes in the vision that all people have a home. This collaborative of congregations and housing advocates believes that secure, affordable housing provides the key to safer communities, stronger families, and a healthier economy. Beacon is seeking individuals who are deeply aligned with its mission, bring strong cultural competency, and are committed to ongoing learning and collaboration as the organization works to address bias and racial inequities in housing. Please visit Beacon's website to learn more about its strategies, programs, and values, including collaboration, risk-taking, racial equity, and inclusive decision-making. Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative seeks a Senior Organizer. The Senior Organizer is an advanced practitioner responsible for driving high-level engagement from Beacon’s collaborative of congregations. They are responsible for leading and growing a portfolio of diverse interfaith congregations in the Twin Cities metropolitan area to grow Beacon’s power. The Senior Organizer operates with a high degree of autonomy to develop sophisticated congregational teams and pilots innovative organizing tactics that reach beyond our existing base and serve as models for the rest of the division. The successful Senior Organizer is both self-motivated and collaborative with the Policy and Organizing team. They demonstrate commitment to racial justice and high cultural competency. 

Wisdom Ways Community Iftar

By Bob Hulteen • February 17, 2026
Saturday, March 7, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.; Minneapolis College of Art and Design, 2501 Stevens Avenue, Minneapolis  Join Wisdom Ways, in partnership with the Islamic Resource Group and Nasrieen Habib, for a community Iftar on March 7 at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, 2501 Stevens Avenue, Minneapolis, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The meal will begin with the traditional breaking of the fast with dates and water and will highlight the deep connection between our Minnesota community and the planet we share. Featuring Nasrieen Habib, founder of EcoJariyah and Amanah Recreational Project, the evening will explore not only what it means to practice Islam, but also how Islamic teachings honor and protect the natural world. Come and share an eco-friendly meal! People of all faiths are invited to attend and celebrate this important time in the Islamic calendar. Muslim attendees are invited to join at no cost. A halal meal will be available to all participants.

2026 Interfaith Symposium: Healing the Earth, healing ourselves

By Bob Hulteen • February 17, 2026
Wednesday, March 25, Noon keynote and 1:00 p.m. lunch; Sateren Auditorium, Augsburg University, 2211 Riverside Avenue, Minneapolis Rev. Jen Bailey will keynote this year's Interfaith Symposium. The theme is "Healing the Earth, Healing Ourselves." Rev. Bailey is an ordained minister and national leader in the multi-faith movement for interfaith understanding and justice. She currently serves as Executive Director of the Dan and Margaret Maddox Fund, a Nashville-based philanthropic foundation investing in the leadership of young people and the vitality of the natural environment. After the keynote join us for a luncheon and panel conversation with Augsburg students and corporate leaders. Augsburg University’s Interfaith Symposium is 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. Learn More or Register: augsburg.edu/interfaith26

Encounter World Religions Offers Course on Aspects of the Sacred

By Bob Hulteen • January 14, 2026
Wednesdays on January 28, February 4, 11, and 18, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.; online Religion can be more than what is contemplated in the mind. Often it is a feast for the senses that draws us in, makes us feel awe or mystery, and sometimes even enlightens us. Encounter World Religions is offering a new winter series titled "Sounds, Spaces, and Celebrations: The Feel of the World's Religions." Participant will explore the poetry and perspectives of sacred texts; the sights, sounds, and spaces that move us; and the celebrations that connect us. Those involved will learn how beauty is central to the religious experience. Each of the four talks will explore the richness of many religions, rather than learning about a single tradition. 

World Religion Day Celebration on January 18

By Bob Hulteen • December 29, 2025
Sunday, January 18, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.; Centennial United Methodist Church, 1524 County Road C2, Roseville Though hailing from many cultures and engaging in various traditions, there is a shared humanity -- a common bond as children of a greater purpose. Celebrate this perspective at an event under the theme of "Finding Unity With Kindness and Peace." The event is free to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for the Interfaith Action of Greater Saint Paul Food Shelf at the Department of Indian Work. Minnesota Multifaith Network is a co-sponsor of the event, along with JustServe and Interfaith Action of Greater Saint Paul.

MLK Day of Service Planned for January 19

By Bob Hulteen • December 29, 2025
Monday, January 19, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.; Various locations with registration at Macalester Plymouth United Church, 1658 Lincoln Avenue, St. Paul Interfaith Action of GreaterSaint Paul is sponsoring opportunities for volunteers to serve their communities to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday on January 19. Service projects, both onsite at Macalester Plymouth United Church and offsite, will includ work for Bridging, Living Well, Urban Village, Ronald McDonald House, Interfaith Action, and other organizations. If you have questions, contact Rachel McIver Morey. 

Minnesota faith groups answer with tea and coffee

By Bob Hulteen • December 26, 2025
On December 17, 2025, the Religion News Service (RNS) published an opinion piece by Dr. Jen Kilps, network executive of the Minnesota Multifaith Network. (RNS) — On Friday afternoons, a collective of Christian and Muslim faith communities gets together in Cedar-Riverside, the largest Somali neighborhood in Minnesota, after jumah (Friday prayers). Neighbors gather and simply share Somali tea and coffee, greeting each other while forming relationships. One of the Christian pastors, the Rev. Jane Buckley-Farlee, involved in this activity explains: “All we do is serve tea and coffee, be friendly, talk, and say, ‘We’re glad you’re here.’ People walk out from Friday prayers and, seeing people gathered, are moved — and they remember. It’s really powerful.” This gathering has been happening since President Donald Trump’s first travel ban on several Muslim-majority countries in 2017, when people from the Somali community expressed fear of being targeted for persecution from the U.S. government. And those Friday afternoons continue to be a beautiful example of religious hospitality that creates safe space for relationships and community building. (Read on)
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