Free Discussion on Religion in America and Chicago:

WHO:

Robert Putnam, noted Harvard political scientist and author of the nationally-praised American Grace:  How Religion Divides and Unites Us, will share stories from his newly-released book at a free presentation followed by a lively panel discussion featuring representatives from Chicago's diverse faith communities:   Msgr. John Canary, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Chicago;  Dr. Zaher Sahloul, Council of Islamic Organizations of Chicago; Sunny Fischer, Executive Director, The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation; Reverend Alexander Sharp, Executive Director, Protestants for the Common Good; Jane Ramsey, Executive Director, Jewish Council on Urban Affairs.  This event is sponsored by Wheat Ridge Ministries.

WHAT:

The highly anticipated book is based on the two most comprehensive surveys ever conducted on religion and public life in America and a dozen in-depth portraits of diverse congregations, including three from the Chicago area, St. Pius V Catholic Church in Chicago (Pilsen community), St Frances of Rome Catholic Church in Cicero and Beth Emet Synagogue in Evanston.  

Putnam's findings in American Grace may challenge the way Americans think about religion and community.  This topic is especially pertinent today, as the controversy surrounding the Mosque near Ground Zero continues and Putnam's research shows that faith community members are more likely to be involved in neighborhood issues.  Discussion topics will include:

• Americans have been switching their religion to match their politics – rather than the other way around.

• 17 percent of the population is 'no religion', the third largest "religious" group, outnumbering Protestants, now just 14 percent of the population.

• Most Americans believe that people who are personally religious are more trustworthy and make better leaders.

• Religious Americans are better neighbors than secular Americans. They volunteer at much higher rates for both religious and secular causes, give more money to religious and secular charities, and are roughly twice as engaged in their communities as comparable secular Americans.  

• Jews are the most broadly popular religious group in America today.

WHEN/WHERE:

TOMORROW:  THURSDAY, NOV. 4

Fourth Presbyterian Church

Chestnut Street and Michigan Avenue, Chicago

3 – 5 p.m.

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC