The Public Theology Workshop
Initiated by W. Clark Gilpin and several graduate students, the Public Theology Workshop brings together faculty with interdisciplinary interests, students from the ministerial and doctoral programs, and distinguished scholars. Orchestrated through the assistance of the Marty Center, the workshop examines the role and significance of theological faith claims in the public sphere. Workshop meetings typically consist of student or faculty presentations accompanied by critical conversation; previous discussion topics include: the nature and task of public theology, the debate on faith-based initiatives, Central American theological education, religion and the White House, and churches in the African-American community. One of the principal projects for the 2001-2002 academic year was a conference entitled "Doing Justice to Mercy: Problems and Prospects in Criminal Justice" (April 12-13, 2002).
