Reassessing Democracy: Contemporary Christian and Islamic Perspectives

Many are engaged in soul-searching about democracy, including how to save it. This is no less true for communities of faith in the U.S. and around the world. What are the contours of these discussions within Christian and Muslim communities? This session brings together four experts, two speaking about each religious tradition, to identify the roots and range of stances taken toward democracy by religious adherents—by those who engage sympathetically, critically, or even with hostility. With a focus on both domestic (U.S.) and international examples, the session covers topics such as the Catholic integralist challenge, controversies in Global Anglicanism, transnational conversations among Muslims in Middle Eastern and American contexts, and differences and similarities between dominant Sunni and Shi’a clerical traditions. Questions, answers, and mutual dialogue are important aspects of this conversation: share your perspectives with us during the session.