On February 13, 2025, in collaboration with Davidson College’s Chaplain’s Office and Religious Studies and Political Science Department, the Deliberative Citizenship Initiative hosted a Deliberative Forum on Religion in Public Life. Attended by over 150 people, approximately half in person and half online, the event began with a roundtable discussion of five panelists with a diverse set of experiences and perspectives related to the topic at hand. They included Robert Destro, Professor of Law at Catholic University; William McKenith, Pastor at Reeves Temple A.M.E. Zion Church; Hadia Mubarak, Associate Professor of Religion at Queens University; Nancy Petty, Pullen Memorial Baptist Church; and Brian Silva, VP of Outreach at Americans United for Separation of Church and State.
Moderated by Davidson College Associate Professor of Writing Jason Blum, the panelists covered a wide range of questions, including whether religion should have special legal status and the tensions between religious autonomy, equality, and anti-discrimination efforts. Following the panel, DCI-trained facilitators guided audience members through small group discussions that explored the topic further, building on the deliberation guide that was shared beforehand and at the event.
Feedback about the forum was very positive — nearly 90% stated in a post-event survey that they were very satisfied or satisfied with their small group discussion and would recommend the experience to a friend. As one participant wrote:
I left the discussion on Religion in Public Life with an appreciation for the ways in which religion intersects with public life and a greater understanding of the challenges and opportunities that arise when trying to maintain respect for religious diversity in the public square. It was a thought-provoking experience that not only broadened my understanding but also fostered a sense of community and mutual respect among participants.
Check out the deliberation guide and recording of the panel discussion below:
DCI-Religion-in-Public-Life-Deliberation-Guide-2025
