In the heat of election season, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend will speak at Syracuse University on one of the most controversial topics in the nation: religion’s place in politics.

Townsend is the oldest daughter of the late U.S. Sen. Robert Kennedy. In Monday’s 7 p.m. lecture at Maxwell Auditorium, titled “Keeping Catholic in Turbulent Times,” according to a Sept. 14 College of Arts and Sciences news release.

Townsend is expected to address her political career as Lt. Gov. of Maryland and her involvement with various political organizations. She is also expected to discuss her book, “Failing America’s Faithful: How Today’s Churches Are Mixing God with Politics and Losing Their Way,” according to the release.

James Watts, chair of the religion department, said in the release that anyone who is interested in the public humanities or social sciences will be intrigued by what Townsend has to say.

“We are honored to present Mrs. Townsend, whose work lies at the intersection of faith and politics,” he said in the release. “Mrs. Townsend’s evening lecture will likely reference her rich political background, her family’s commitment to social justice, and her own journey of faith.”

The lecture will serve as the inaugural Joseph and Amelia Borgognoni Lecture in Catholic Theology and Religion in Society. The lecture is hosted by the Borgognoni Fund, the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs’ Campbell Public Affairs Institute and the religion and society program, according to the release.

The Campbell Public Affairs Institute will also hold another discussion with Townsend, titled “Three Weeks Out: Competing Visions for America,” earlier in the day at 2 p.m. in 220 Eggers Hall, according to the release.

Currently, Townsend is a director at the Rock Creek Group, which provides investment and advising services to major investors, according to the release. She is also on the University of Maryland Institute of Human Virology’s board of advisers and a board member of The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation.

Grant Reeher, professor of political science and director of the Campbell Public Affairs Institute, expressed his excitement for the event in the release.

“It’s a thrill for us at Campbell to be hosting a leading political figure from a family that has helped to shape American politics,” he said. “I’m looking forward, in particular, to hear her consideration of politics and religion, a complicated blend which seems to figure increasingly in our public discourse.”

Published on October 15, 2012 at 2:07 am

Contact Nick: nxsmith@syr.edu