Marquette University has been awarded a $2.4 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to launch a groundbreaking exhibition and educational initiative. This program aims to provide a comprehensive and balanced representation of the role of religion both in the U.S. and globally. The grant is part of a national effort initiated in 2019, designed to foster better understanding and respect for diverse religious traditions amongst the public.
President Kimo Ah Yun expressed gratitude for Lilly Endowment’s support, noting its alignment with the university’s mission to broaden understanding of religion. John McKinnon, director of Marquette’s Haggerty Museum of Art, highlighted the initiative as a chance to deepen community engagement at the intersection of art and faith, using diverse artifacts and public dialogue to explore personal and cultural connections to spirituality.
Lilly Endowment has a history of supporting Marquette’s religious initiatives. In addition to the new grant, the university previously received $1.25 million in 2023 to establish the “FaithForm” program, which seeks to strengthen community ties among area congregations. A $1 million grant, received in 2020, helped to create “The Examen(ed) Church,” aimed at enriching congregational vitality through Ignatian spiritual practices.
Christopher L. Coble, the Endowment’s vice president for religion, emphasized the importance of cultural institutions like museums in promoting understanding of America’s religious diversity. By supporting this initiative, Lilly Endowment hopes to enable visitors to learn about the wide array of religious beliefs, practices, and perspectives in their communities and beyond.
Lilly Endowment Inc., established in 1937, is a private foundation committed to community development, education, and religion. Created from the success of Eli Lilly and Company, it serves to light the path for Christian communities by enhancing congregational vitality and leadership. Its broader mission involves fostering public understanding of diverse religious beliefs, underscoring their significant roles in society.
Marquette University received a $2.4 million grant from Lilly Endowment to develop an exhibition and educational program focused on the role of religion in society. This grant is part of a national initiative aimed at improving public understanding of religious diversity. It follows previous funding supporting projects that enhance community ties and congregational vitality.
The $2.4 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to Marquette University marks a significant step towards fostering understanding and respect for various religious traditions. This initiative, positioned at the intersection of religion and culture, aims to create a richer dialogue within communities. With a history of support for religious programs, Lilly Endowment continues to play a pivotal role in enhancing the public’s grasp of the multifaceted nature of faith in America and beyond.
Original Source: www.marquette.edu
