This past October, Graymoor Ecumenical & Interreligious Institute (GEII), a ministry of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement, hosted two inspiring installments of the Paul Wattson Lecture Series, continuing a tradition of interreligious dialogue and theological reflection that honors the legacy of Servant of God Father Paul Wattson, SA. Through partnerships with distinguished academic institutions, the series fosters conversations that deepen understanding across faith communities. On Monday, October 20, the inaugural Paul Wattson Lecture at Fordham University in New York City marked an exciting milestone for the series’ expansion. The event featured Susannah Heschel, PhD, Eli Black Professor of Jewish Studies at Dartmouth College, who delivered an illuminating lecture titled “The Faith of Others: The Inspiration of Interreligious Dialogue in Light of Nostra Aetate.” Dr. Heschel’s lecture revisited the historic Nostra Aetate, the Second Vatican Council’s groundbreaking declaration on the relationship of the Church with non-Christian religions. Her remarks explored how empathy, humility, and shared sacred values continue to shape the future of dialogue between Christians, Jews, and other faith traditions. Many Friars and Sisters attended the event in person, including Minister General Fr. Emil Tomaskovic, SA, joining a packed audience of scholars, clergy, students, and community members for a vibrant evening of reflection and conversation.  

On Wednesday, October 22, GEII and the Catholic Theological Union (CTU) in Chicago, hosted the 7^th Annual Paul Wattson Lecture. The featured speaker, Dr. Reginaldo Braga Jr., Associate Professor of Religion and Education at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, delivered a powerful address titled “Grace as Pedagogy: Theology, Critical Theory and the Struggle Against Empire.” Dr. Braga’s presentation challenged audiences to consider grace not merely as a theological concept, but as a radical pedagogical force capable of transforming communities and dismantling structures of injustice. His lecture invited deep reflection on the intersection of theology, education, and social liberation, resonating strongly with the Paul Wattson Lecture Series’ ongoing commitment to faith-inspired engagement with contemporary challenges. Fr. Jim Loughran, SA, was present at the Chicago event, contributing to the spirit of fellowship and dialogue that defines the series.  

Looking ahead, the Friars are delighted to announce that the third and final installment of the 2025 Paul Wattson Lecture Series will take place in Rome, Italy, at the Centro Pro Unione, on December 18. This event will feature Dr. Andrej Jeftic, Director of the Commission on Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches. Dr. Jeftic’s work in ecumenism and theological dialogue promises a fitting continuation of the Paul Wattson Lecture Series’ mission to foster unity, understanding, and faith across traditions. 

The Paul Wattson Lectures honor the memory of Servant of God Father Paul of Graymoor (1863–1940), founder of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement and pioneer for the cause of Christian Unity. The lectures annually feature national and international leaders in the fields of ecumenism and interreligious dialogue to speak on current topics of interest. 

Initiated in 1974 at the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, the series was expanded in 1980 to the University of San Francisco; then, in 1995 to the Atlantic School of Theology in Halifax; and in 1996 to the Toronto School of Theology in Toronto. In 1998, it was added to the ministry of the Friars at their Centro Pro Unione in Rome honoring not only Father Paul, but also Mother Lurana White, S.A., founder of the Franciscan Sisters of the Atonement. In 2017, the first Paul Wattson Lecture in Chicago took place at the Catholic Theological Union. And in 2025, a new Paul Wattson Lecture series was inaugurated at Fordham University in New York City.