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.
