Professors Craig Calhoun, Director of the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), and Tariq Madood, University of Bristol, will discuss the changing nature of religion in Britain and the challenges for Higher Education in an event tonight (Tuesday 9 June) at LSE.
The discussion will draw on the complementary essays both have written on religion for the Leadership Foundation's Stimulus Paper series, entitled Religion in Britain: challenges for Higher Education.
The authors have brought together their social sciences expertise to examine the issues around the place of religion in contemporary society and what that might mean for universities. There is a particular emphasis on leaders, particularly those who provide the intellectual and academic leadership.
In ‘We don’t do God’? the changing nature of public religion Professor Modood focuses upon the move from a largely Christian-secular nation to a secular multi-faith one, and the concerns and controversies that are associated with this. He goes on to consider how institutions are dealing with these changes, and what thy might have to do further to manage the freedom and inclusivity of the learning environment that is commonly expected in universities throughout the UK.
In commenting on the issues highlighted in both the essays Professor Modood says: '
Religion is increasingly seeking a public rather than merely a private presence and so is a challenge for public institutions in terms of understanding, accommodation, diversity and equality, and higher education is no exception to this. This confuses many who have a purist idea of universities as secularist institutions and so universities and colleges need to join the rethinking of secularism that is currently taking place.'
Image credit: Nick Smith
In his essay Religion, the public sphere and higher education Professor Calhoun,who leads LSE, explores how religious public issues intersect with life in universities. What are the challenges from dealing with dissent to supporting students' personal growth? Do universities help the public understand religion better? And how do university leaders, who may or may not be religious, foster incorporate religious diversity into inclusive intellectual communities?
In his foreword Sir Bob Burgess, the former vice-chancellor of Leicester University, says: ‘These are not just issues of intellectual debate, but require practical solutions on a daily basis. He goes on to say ‘In terms of academic disciplines, there is an opportunity to address religious illiteracy among students and staff as opportunities arise where insights from different faiths can inform academic debate and understanding.’
Download the Stimulus Paper here
Ends
Both Professor Modood and Professor Colhoun are available for interview, contact Tricia Wombell 020 3468 4810 or email tricia.wombell@lfhe.ac.uk
Notes for editors
About the Leadership Foundation
The Leadership Foundation is a membership organisation that delivers leadership development and consultancy advice to higher education institutions in the UK and around the world. The focus of the Leadership Foundation’s work is to improve the management and leadership skills of existing and future leaders of higher education. The services provided include consultancy, leadership development programmes and events, including a major series of events for governors. This work is supported by a highly regarded research and development programme that underpins the leadership development programmes and stimulates debate and innovation.
The Leadership Foundation has a small team of experienced leadership and organisational development professionals drawn from higher education, other parts of the public sector, and also from the private sector. Much of the Leadership Foundation’s work is delivered in partnership with the higher education sector and other partner organisations. www.lfhe.ac.uk
9 June 2015