Document Type
Thesis
Publication Date
2016
Disciplines
Civic and Community Engagement | Leadership Studies | Religion | Social Psychology and Interaction | Sociology | Sociology of Religion
Advisor
Sheila Nelson, Sociology
Abstract
This thesis presents the results of an exploratory study examining reasons why religious leaders participate in interfaith collaboration. I conducted in-depth interviews with religious congregational leaders in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, in an attempt to identify their professional and personal motivations, and the organizational pressures influencing participation. Interfaith collaboration consists of intentional constructive cooperation and positive interactions among individuals or institutions of different religious traditions. Interfaith initiatives occur throughout the world at the local, national, and international level. Despite the growing increase in faith-based collaborations, there has been little research examining why religious leaders and congregations choose to participate in interfaith collaboration. This research attempts to address this question. Ten religious leaders representing eight different religious traditions participated in this study.
Recommended Citation
Hansmann, Michelle, "Understanding Religious Leaders’ Motivations for and Perceptions of Interfaith Collaboration" (2016). All College Thesis Program, 2016-2019. 2.
https://digitalcommons.csbsju.edu/honors_thesis/2
Included in
Civic and Community Engagement Commons, Leadership Studies Commons, Religion Commons, Social Psychology and Interaction Commons, Sociology of Religion Commons