ICJS Manekin-Clark Forum
American Experiments: Democracy & Religion
A conversation with David M. Rubenstein
David M. Rubenstein—financier, philanthropist, author, historian, and Orioles owner—joined Heather Miller Rubens, ICJS executive director and Roman Catholic Scholar in a wide ranging conversation on the religious roots in America’s founding documents. They spoke on March 24, 2026, for the 2026 ICJS Manekin-Clark Forum.
This program was presented by the Institute for Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Studies (ICJS) with support from Goucher College.
The Manekin-Clark Lecture is an expression of the beliefs of Bernie Manekin and Jim Clark that we belong to one another despite our differences, that people of all faiths (or no faith) can challenge one another to live in ways that deepen our respective commitments, strengthen our communities, and respect the dignity of every person.
Manekin-Clark Archives
Inspiring the public to champion religious pluralism
Our 2024 Manekin-Clark Lecture, co-sponsored by ICJS and Third Space at Shaarei Tfiloh, featured Rabbi Sharon Brous, author of the national bestseller The Amen Effect: Ancient Wisdom to Mend Our Broken Hearts and World. Rabbi Brous is a leading voice in reanimating religious life in America.
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Wake Up Running: A vision for connection and transformation
In his address, Dr. Walter Fluker shared his insights into the life and teaching of Howard Thurman, the challenges facing our democracy, and the call to congregate, conjure and conspire at the crossings. October 2023.
American Muslims at a Crossroads
Dalia Mogahed presented results from the American Muslim Poll, which places the opinions and demographics of American Muslims in the context of other religious communities. October 2022
Recapturing the Prophetic Tradition
Dr. Susannah Heschel offered a friendly critique and challenge of interreligious dialogue, drawing on the legacy of her father, Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, whose work and writings on the prophetic tradition offer a model to irspire and sharpen future dialogue. December 2021
Religion & Politics in Transition:
The End of White Christian America
Robert P. Jones, Ph.D. Founder and CEO, Public Religion Research Institute, December 2019
White Supremacy, Power, and the Role of Interfaith
Beverly Mitchell, Ph.D., Professor of Historic Theology, Wesley Theological Seminary, June 2018
Banning Sharia
Anver Emon, Ph.D., Professor of Law and History; Canada Research Chair in Islamic Law and History; Director, Institute of Islamic Studies at University of Toronto, April 2017
Imagining Justice in Baltimore: A Jewish Perspective
Marc Gopin, Ph.D., Director, Center for World Religions, Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution, George Mason University, April 2016
Interfaith Leadership: Building a Healthy Democracy
Eboo Patel, Ph.D., Founder and President Interfaith Youth Core (IFYC), May 2015
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Collision: Jews, Christians, and Muslims
David Nirenberg, Ph.D., Deborah R. and Edgar D. Jannotta Professor of Medieval History and Social Thought, University of Chicago, May 2014
From Religious Intolerance to Creative Engagement
Rabbi David Rosen, International Director of Interreligious Affairs, American Jewish Committee, June 2013
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Robert Eisen, Ph.D.
April 2012
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