Examines the impact of Islamization on the contemporary Coptic Church, particularly on women, exploring the church’s discourse and practices and considering their social, cultural, and political implications. Sara Allam Shaltout.

The Emergence of New Protestant Churches in Türkiye

Preservation of documents related to the emergence of new Protestant churches in Turkey.

The Latin Catholic Church at risk: the appropriation and conversion of ecclesiastical properties during the post-Tanẓimāt and Republican eras

Examines the legal status of the Latin Catholic Church in Turkey and explores Church–state relations from the post-Tanẓimāt period (post-1876) into the Turkish Republican era. Vanessa R. de Obaldía.

National Pasts and Religious Futures: Turkish Protestants and the Negotiation of Christianity in Uncertain Times

Considers how varied and changing understandings of time – as a religious, historic, and political category – shape how Turkish Protestants practice their faith, understand who they are, and imagine who they will be as Turkish citizens and as Christians during a period of change and uncertainty. Eileen Sleesman Calderon.

Changing Religious Landscape: Jordan 2018

Looking closely at the Christian communities this project asks how Jordan’s religious landscape is changing and what are the implication of these changes for Middle Eastern Christian communities. Merav Mack.

Christian Formation and Modes of Belonging among Turkish Protestants

Explores cultural formation, with special reference to modes of belonging, for three Turkish Protestant congregations in Istanbul. Charles Faroe.

Current Study Programs

Religious Minorities & the Ottoman Empire

Examines the complex experiences of religious minorities within the Ottoman Empire from its inception through its territorial expansion.

Vanessa de Obaldia

Tuesdays, Feb 24-Mar 31

program details

Qur’an & Bible Reading Group

Online discussion group to read and gain a deeper knowledge of key related portions of the Qur'an and the Bible. This is a selective, limited enrollment program

Clay Morrison

Registration is closed
Last offered in November 2025

program details

Islamic Philosophy: A Methodological Introduction

A structured introduction to Islamic philosophy (al-falsafa al-islāmiyya / al-ḥikma), through its foundational methodological questions

Mehmet Fatih Arslan

Wednesdays, Jan 7-Feb 4
This program is fully enrolled.
Registration is closed

program details

Upcoming & Recorded Events

Christianity and the Rise of Islam

Online conversation with Gabriel Said Reynolds and Jack Tannous on Late Antique Christianity & the Qur’an

The Symposium was held on October 3, 2025.

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details & recording

Shabbir Akhtar & Galatians

Online conversation with Gabriel Said Reynolds and Jack Tannous on Late Antique Christianity & the Qur’an

The Symposium was held on October 3, 2025.

view recording

details & recording

Islamic Origins & Christian Theological Engagement with Islam

How does critical scholarship on Islamic origins impact Christian-Muslim relations?

The Symposium was held on February 15, 2024. Panelists included Martin Accad, Daniel Brown, Sandra Keating, Daniel A. Madigan SJ, David Marshall, Gabriel S. Reynolds, and Michel Younès.

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details & video

Atonement Theology in Christian-Muslim Engagement

Online conversation with Dr. Brent Neely about his book, Atonement Theology in Conversation with Islamic Thought.

Recorded April 9, 2025

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details

Upcoming Programs

Christian-Muslim Relations in the Ottoman Empire
Orientation Feb 24.
Online Sessions March 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31

Shabbir Akhtar & Galatians
September 2026. Date & Time TBD

Research, Education
and Partnerships
focused on the
Religions of the
Middle East