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.
