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

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.

donato loia and cover of his book

Spirituality in Art History and Practice: A Conversation with Donato Loia

Date: Thursday, Apr 10, 2025

Writer, curator, and scholar of art and spirituality Donato Loia will be in conversation with painter and VCUarts professor Miguel Carter-Fisher on the topic of interconnections among spiritual, artistic and scholarly practices in his work -- and in the history of art.

a woman's fragmented and collaged face

Collaging a Zen Life: A Conversation with Blythe King

Date: Thursday, Apr 17, 2025

Richmond-based artist, Zen practitioner, and teacher Blythe King will be in conversation with Mimi Winick, Powell Edwards Chair in Religion and the Arts at VCU, on the intersections among art, Zen practice and the role of women in her work.

Past 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.