PLAINVIEW — Dr. Jay Givens, Professor of Theological Studies and Director of Online Christian Studies for Wayland Baptist University's School of Christian Studies, has been selected as one of 25 faculty members nationwide to participate in the Teaching Interfaith Understanding seminar.
The seminar, hosted by the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) in partnership with Interfaith America, takes place June 15–18, 2025, at DePaul University in Chicago.
Funded by a grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc., the seminar is designed to equip faculty with the tools to effectively teach interfaith understanding in the college classroom. Led by distinguished scholars Dr. Laurie Patton, President of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, and Dr. Eboo Patel, Founder and President of Interfaith America, the seminar will provide participants with strategies to foster interfaith engagement and leadership among students.
Religious diversity and the challenges of pluralism have become central topics in both public discourse and higher education. Through this seminar, faculty members will explore methods for integrating interfaith cooperation into their teaching, develop course modules, and engage in discussions on best practices for addressing religious diversity in academic settings.
“Hospitality is a core value of the Christian faith. Jesus didn’t just call us to love our neighbors—those who are like us—but to love our enemies—those different from us. In today’s America, our neighbors come from diverse faith traditions,” Dr. Givens said. “This seminar offers me the opportunity to explore new ways to teach my students how to love and engage with people of other faiths as an essential part of their Christian witness.”
Additionally, Dr. Givens said he hopes to serve as a resource for fellow faculty and staff.
“I want to help them find better ways—both inside and outside the classroom—to love and support our non-Christian students and to equip all our students to navigate America’s interfaith landscape,” he said.
Dr. Givens noted that Christian witness within an interfaith context is so essential to the view of Wayland’s School of Christian Studies that all Master of Divinity students must take either World Religions or New Religious Movements as part of their degree.
Dr. Cindy McClenagan, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Wayland, emphasized the significance of Dr. Givens’ selection for both him and the university.
“Wayland recognizes that Dr. Givens’ participation in the Teaching Interfaith Understanding seminar will enrich his own scholarship and also advance our institutional commitment to faith education,” she said. “His leadership in this area aligns with our university’s broader mission of fostering cultural understanding and preparing students for meaningful engagement in a diverse world.”
“Wayland Baptist University, a longtime member of the Council of Independent Colleges, is committed to fostering academic excellence and faith-based learning,” Dr. McClenagan continued. “Dr. Givens’ participation in this seminar underscores the university’s dedication to preparing students for meaningful engagement in a diverse and interconnected world.”
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