Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Nota Bene: CSRF Spring Newsletter

The Center for the Study of Religious Freedom has released the spring edition of its newsletter, “Understanding Religious Freedom.” I encourage you to learn more about the Center and the programs, partnerships and events highlighted in this issue. The publication available on the CSRF webpage.

I’d also like to remind you that Virginia Wesleyan's own Dr. Craig Wansink, who serves as the Joan P. and Macon F. Brock, Jr. Director of the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom, will be among the honorees at the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities 2017 Tidewater Humanitarian Awards Dinner. These awards celebrate individuals and organizations who have demonstrated a commitment to the promotion of respect and understanding among people of diverse racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. Dr. Wansink embodies this commitment daily through his roles as the CSRF Director and as a Professor of Religious Studies here at the College.

With Dr. Wansink's award in mind, and in view of current protests over the government's new rules on immigration, we are reminded that VWC is a welcoming, inclusive community, one of diversity, tolerance, and acceptance. We teach and learn with our fellow students, faculty, and staff members in a spirit of fellowship and intellectual vitality.

The 53rd presentation of VCIC's Humanitarian Awards will be held on March 30. For more information or to register to attend, visit www.inclusiveva.org. Congratulations to Dr. Wansink, and many thanks to him and Kelly Jackson, Associate Director of the CSRF and Chair of the VCIC Tidewater Chapter, for the good work they do on our campus and in our community.