A unique research project at the Center for Media, Religion and Culture will take on one of today’s most important challenges: the public understanding of religion. One of only three such academic units in the United States, the Center has a global reputation for its research and program efforts focused on religion and spirituality in the media age. Religion has a growing profile in the media and in public discussion as a force in national and global affairs. “Religion and Public Scholarship” will bring together scholars, researchers, and practitioners in a focused effort to develop new and innovative tools for research, collaboration, and communication. “Religion is more and more at the center of contemporary political and social life,” noted Stewart Hoover, Center Director, “this project begins with the fact that religion’s role is increasingly a role defined by modern media.”