Russell Berrie Fellowship in Interreligious Studies

Russell Berrie Fellowship in Interreligious Studies

The one-year fellowship program of the John Paul II Center for Interreligious Dialogue supported clergy, women religious, and lay leaders through an enhanced academic fellowship and practical skill-building program in interreligious studies and dialogue.

From 2008-2022, we brought together about 10 international Fellows per year to study at the Angelicum in Rome to learn at a head and heart-level about interreligious dialogue and how to build relationships across lines of differences.

In consultation with The Russell Berrie Foundation, the JPII Center has chosen to end the Fellowship program after this last cohort joins our alumni network in July 2023. This will be our final cohort.

Testimonials

  • It was a blessing for me. It brought me a new vision to build a society of peace and an eye opener towards the entire humanity.

    Sr. Gracy Vadakara

    Sr. Gracy Vadakara

    Cohort III

  • The Russell Berrie Fellowship experience has been one of the greatest blessings of my life both personally and professionally.

    Linda Taggart

    Linda Taggart

    Cohort V

  • There is no doubt that the Fellowship has had an impact on my life. I see dialogue as a way of being and living, as a method, rather than just a theory of teachings and books.

    Fr. Cyrille Uwizeye

    Fr. Cyrille Uwizeye

    Cohort IV

  • The Fellowship greatly shaped my academic and personal journey. Together we’ve learned, imagined, dreamed, reasoned, questioned, collaborated, laughed, studied, and prayed.

    McKenzie Fergus

    McKenzie Fergus

    Cohort XII

Shalom Hartman Institute

Israel Study Tour

Russell Berrie Fellows travel to Israel for a 10-day tour to study at the Shalom Hartman Institute, renowned for its combination of rigorous Jewish scholarship, commitment to pluralism and interfaith dialogue.

In addition to academic seminars, Russell Berrie Fellows also visit sacred sites in the Holy Land.

The study tour program includes experience at the sacred sites of all three Abrahamic religions who hold Jerusalem dear, as well as meetings with religious leaders.

Apply

In consultation with The Russell Berrie Foundation, the JPII Center has chosen to end the Fellowship program after this last cohort joins our alumni network in July 2023. This will be our final cohort.

The Fellowship includes an active alumni program designed to encourage ongoing leadership for action in interreligious dialogue.

Upon completion of the program and graduation from the Angelicum, Fellows return home to their parishes and communities to lead others in efforts to promote interfaith understanding.

FAQs

In consultation with The Russell Berrie Foundation, the JPII Center has chosen to end the Fellowship program after this last cohort joins our alumni network in July 2023. This will be our final cohort.

We are preparing for the last stage of evolution and growth for our alumni network and plans to integrate our educational content at the Angelicum.

Fellows completed an academic program in Ecumenism and Dialogue from a Christian perspective, with introductory courses in Judaism and Islam. During the year at the Angelicum, they studied the role of theology and philosophy in engaging in interreligious dialogue and how such engagements further the understanding of other religions.

The Fellowship was applied to pursue the Licentiate in Theology degree (S.T.L.), the Doctorate in Theology degree (S.T.D.), or the Diploma in Interreligious Studies (1-year non-degree program in dialogue).