Visiting Professor collaboratively hosted events for crucial voices in global human rights movement

World Religions and Education Research Unit (WRERU) member and visiting Professor at BGU, Francis Davis, recently hosted two eminent voices in the global human rights struggle for freedom of religion and belief.

The WRERU has been established as a research and knowledge exchange unit within BGU, since November 2023, purposed to bring together and support current activities, create new initiatives, and remain committed to research and development in world religions and education.

Professor Francis Davis is an honorary member of the University, in social institutions and international studies.

This October, Professor Stephen Schneck, US Presidential advisor and Chair of the US Commission on International Freedom of Religion and Belief visited the UK to speak at events and meetings jointly organised by WRERU.

The visit included a parliamentary round table and a major lecture at the University of Notre Dame in London, as well as meetings at the Foreign Office and with Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Great Britain.

Secondly, Archbishop Basha Warda of Erbil, Iraq spoke on minority rights after ISIS at a seminar jointly organised at the University of Oxford. Warda has developed a university, a hospital and employment opportunities to act as an anchor for local individual’s livelihoods.

The two visits form part of ongoing research and knowledge exchange work undertaken by Professor Francis Davis, centred around leadership on complex issues.

Director of The World Religions and Education Research Unit and Professor of Education and Religion at BGU, Julian Stern, says: “The work of the WRERU, including research, dissemination, consultancy, and collaboration are only possible thanks to the large community of researchers working with professional and community organisations, as well as with other academics around the world.

“BGU are proud to celebrate the work of Professor Francis Davis, including his and WRERU’s contribution to building a better world!”

To find out more about the World Religions and Education Research Unit (WRERU) at BGU, please click here.