Thursday, February 27, 2025
6:00 p.m. CST
Order of Events
Academic Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs
History of André LaCocque and Interfaith at CTS
Hazel Gomez
Student Representative, Interreligious Engagement Committee
Securing Our Commitments
Chad R. Schwickerath
Vice President for Advancement
Introduction of Speakers
Kamilah Hall Sharp
Assistant Professor of Hebrew Bible and Public Ministry
2025 André LaCocque Interreligious Dialogue
Katherine Stewart and Reza Aslan
“Religion and Politics: Talking Together About Issues That Drive Us Apart”
Moderated by Rachel Mikva
Herman E. Schaalman Professor of Jewish Studies and Senior Faculty Fellow, InterReligious Institute
Q&A with the Guests
Presentation of the Herman E. Schaalman Award
Kim Schultz
Director of Interreligious Engagements and Public Projects
Herman E. Schaalman Awardee Remarks
Winner:
Mahir Hussein
Master of Divinity Student
Runner up:
Nosayba Mahmoud
Master of Divinity Student
Closing
Brian E. Smith
Director of Community Relations and Strategic Partnerships
About the Speakers
Reza Aslan is a renowned writer, commentator, professor, Emmy- and Peabody-nominated producer, and scholar of religions. A recipient of the prestigious James Joyce award, Aslan is the author of three internationally best-selling books, including the #1 New York Times Bestseller Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth. His biography An American Martyr in Persia: The Epic Life and Tragic Death of Howard Baskerville was nominated for the PEN/Jacqueline Beograd Weld Award. His producing credits include the acclaimed HBO series The Leftovers and the hit CBS comedy United States of AL. He is the host and Executive Producer of CNN’s Believer and Rough Draft with Reza Aslan, as well as co-host along with Rainn Wilson of the podcast Metaphysical Milkshake. His newest book is titled A Kids Book About Israel & Palestine.
Katherine Stewart’s new book, Money, Lies and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy has been praised by Congressman Jamie Raskin as “An indispensable citizen’s guide to the anti-democratic MAGA Right in America.” Her previous book, The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism, was voted first place for Excellence in Nonfiction Books by the Religion News Association and forms the basis of the documentary feature film God and Country, produced by Rob Reiner. She writes for The New York Times, The New Republic, Religion News Service and others. She can be followed on X (formerly Twitter) @kathsstewart.
About the Awardee
Mahir Hussein was born and raised in Las Vegas, NV, in a Muslim Oromo/Ethiopian family. As a first-generation immigrant, Mahir navigated the complexities of cultural identity throughout childhood and academia while serving as an advocate and translator for his parents. In October 2016, Mahir experienced a profound religious awakening that renewed his spiritual connection and strengthened his moral compass during college. His leadership skills flourished as he served as public liaison and eventually president of the University’s Muslim Student Association. He had his first opportunities to engage in interfaith work there by working with other student groups and politicians in Las Vegas. Mahir also engaged in youth mentorship through organizations such as Young Muslims, trying to help mentor the next generation. After earning a degree in public health with a minor in religious studies, Mahir became a community health worker and married his partner, with whom he embarked on spiritually transformative journeys, including a pilgrimage to Umrah. A proud parent, Mahir now balances family life with furthering his education, currently pursuing a Master of Divinity/Chaplaincy and a Master of Public Health.About the LaCocque Lecture and Schaalman Award
The André LaCocque Interreligious Lecture (previously the IRI Spring Lecture) showcases the diversity of religion in the human experience. It is named in honor of Dr. André LaCocque, the longtime CTS professor and stalwart supporter of interreligious work, who passed away in January 2022. Presented each spring, the LaCocque Lecture aims to provide a forum for underrepresented religious minorities to make their voices heard.
André LaCocque was born in Liège, Belgium. He earned a PhD in Jewish Literature in 1957 and a ThD in Old Testament in 1961, both from the University of Strasbourg, France. He taught at the Faculté Protestante Universitaire de Bruxelles in Brussels, Belgium, from 1957 to 1968. He joined CTS in 1966 as Professor of Hebrew Bible.
Dr. LaCocque quickly formed a bond with Dr. Otto Betz, Chair of New Testament Studies, who inspired him to create a center for interreligious studies—advancing interfaith understanding. The Center of Jewish-Christian Studies (CJCS) was intended to be a research center for doctoral candidates, as well as a hub for public conferences. Later, Dr. LaCocque expanded the CJCS to include Islamic scholars and lectures, and organized the first national conference on women and Islam headlined by Muslim scholars. This reimagined Center for Jewish, Christian and Islamic Studies (JCIS) was one of the first centers dedicated to interreligious understanding among the Abrahamic traditions in the country. Its work continues today in the form of the CTS InterReligious Institute (IRI), which has expanded to include interreligious work among all spiritual lifestances. Dr. LaCocque retired in 1996, but he remained active at CTS and beyond for many years afterwards.
At Dr. LaCocque’s recommendation, CTS hired Rabbi Herman E. Schaalman to teach Jewish Studies—a decision that ultimately facilitated our endowed chair in Jewish Studies. The two remained close friends throughout their lives, and they co-taught many courses together. The Schaalman Interreligious Award is named in Rabbi Schaalman’s Honor.
This year’s Schaalman Interreligious Award will be presented to Mahir Hussein, and for the first time, we will award a runner-up award to Nosayba Mahmoud.