Dialogue Institute
Share
and around the globe who work to practice pluralism, democracy, and advance understanding, compassion, and dialogue across difference through civic, religious, and academic leadership. The Dialogue Institute (DI), based at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA, works to transform the world into a global community by fostering interreligious and intercultural scholarship, understanding and cooperat
07/16/2026
We are saddened to announce the passing of Dialogue Institute board member John Esposito, a visionary scholar whose work helped shape research on Islam, interfaith relations, and global diplomacy.
A distinguished professor of religion and international affairs at Georgetown University, he was widely regarded as one of the world’s foremost scholars on Islam and Muslim-West relations. With over 45 books and countless articles translated into 35+ languages, he made complex ideas accessible to scholars, students, and the general public alike. Beyond his intellectual legacy, Professor Esposito was a teacher and mentor who inspired countless students.
Esposito was the founding Director of the Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding and the Director of The Bridge Initiative: Protecting Pluralism--Ending Islamophobia.
As President of the American Academy of Religion and the Middle East Studies Association of North America, John served as a consultant to the U.S. Department of State, an ambassador for the UN Alliance of Civilizations, and was a member of the World Economic Forum’s Council of 100 Leaders and E. C. European Network of Experts on De-Radicalization.
He received honorary doctorates from St. Michael’s College, University of Toronto, the University of Sarajevo, University of Florida, and Immaculata University. He was also the recipient of the American Academy of Religion’s Martin E. Marty Award for the Public Understanding of Religion, Pakistan’s Quaid-i-Azzam Award for Outstanding Contributions in Islamic Studies, Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service Outstanding Teacher Award, and Georgetown’s Career Research Achievement Award.
The Dialogue Institute is deeply grateful for John Esposito’s partnership and guidance as a board member. His work helped to form the foundation for many of the conversations we continue today. Our heartfelt condolences go to his family, friends, and all who benefited from his wisdom.
The Constitution's opening phrase, "We the people," was written in the most religiously and culturally diverse location of the new nation.
Often remembered as "the Penman of the Constitution," Gouverneur Morris was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and wrote the preamble.
Want to walk in his footsteps? Join David Krueger on Religious Freedom Trails - a deep dive into Philadelphia’s layered history of religious freedom brought to life in bite-sized, local insights.
06/26/2026
Yesterday, our Executive Director, David Krueger, guided a tour for a group from Braver Angels, a cross-partisan, volunteer-led movement. Board members Majid Alsayegh and Ann Schroeder represented the Dialogue Institute at the Braver Angels 2026 National Convention, sharing information about our work and connecting with both new and familiar faces.
Today, Dr. Krueger will be facilitating a panel on Faith and Politics: Overcoming Polarization through Bridgebuilding at Temple University.
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
Category
Contact the organization
Website
Address
642 Mazur Hall, 1114 W. Polett Walk
Philadelphia, PA
19122