Collage of colorful paint brush strokes

Center for the Study of Global Religions and Spiritualities

The research and faculty in this center focus on the academic and transdisciplinary exploration of religion, spirituality, culture, history, and identity.

The center includes faculty from across VCU and seeks to engage with students and community to promote dialogue, research, and community engagement.

The center and its programming will:

  • Organize public lectures throughout  the academic year around the shared focus of the four endowed chairs in CHS
  • Explore outwardly facing, community-based education around religion, religion studies, and spirituality
  • Provide opportunities for student engagement, public education, and heightened awareness around the issues of religious tolerance, inclusivity in religious practice, religious history, global religions, and the exploration of spiritualities in multiple forms
  • Facilitate micro-credentialing in diverse areas of global religious studies
  • Host multi-faith research, presentations, and community events
  • Strategically plan curriculum in religious studies and adjacent fields 

Upcoming Events

Vincent van Gogh, Art, and Spiritual Practice: A Conversation with Professor Cliff Edwards; Thursday, March 27; 5pm: Reception; 5:30pm: Program; STEM Building, 2nd Floor

Vincent van Gogh, Art, and Spiritual Practice: A Conversation with Professor Cliff Edwards

Date: Thursday, Mar 27, 2025

The first event in the Powell-Edwards lecture series celebrates the legacy of retired faculty member Cliff Edwards, Ph.D., both at VCU and in the intersection of art and religion.

Saint Jude

Why is Saint Jude the Most Popular Catholic Saint in Mexico?

Date: Tuesday, Apr 8, 2025

Professor Andrew Chesnut explains how the Patron of Lost Causes, Saint Jude, went from obscurity on the Mexican religious landscape to become the rock star of Catholic saints in the country.