Dr. Mona Siddiqui to Speak on 'Art, Philanthropy and Belonging'

On March 2, 2023, the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving's 18th annual Thomas H. Lake Lecture will be held in Indianapolis and also livestreamed. Named in honor of philanthropic leader Thomas H. Lake, this annual lecture invites a noted scholar or practitioner to speak on a topic related to faith and giving. The focus will be on how religious traditions encourage generosity, community, and civil society. The speaker is Dr. Mona Siddiqui, OBE, an expert in interfaith relations and Christian-Muslim relations, cultural observer, and BBC Radio commentator. She is Distinguished Professor of Islamic and Interreligious Studies at Hartford International University.

Dr. Siddiqui's talk, "Art, Philanthropy and Belonging: The Disruptive Nature of Giving," will delve into how religious traditions can be transformative in encouraging giving and the sense of belonging necessary for building community and civil society. She'll also touch on the role of art and imagination in prompting us to seek out different worlds.

Dr. Siddiqui will point out that although religious traditions differ, they all share a common theme in transforming us into generous givers, even when it goes against our natural inclinations. 

In today's world, fewer Americans affiliate with religious traditions; as a result, they are participating less in giving and volunteering. Dr. Siddiqui will address this important matter shedding light on what that means for our life together. 

Dr. Siddiqui has authored several books on interfaith relations and is a sought-after public speaker on religion, ethics, and public life. She has also been recognized with multiple honors and awards for her work.

The event will be free, open to the public, and will have a reception afterward. 

Registration is required to attend in person or watch the livestream.