USC Center Receives $6.9 Million Grant to Research Global Pentecostalism
The initiative will provide up to $3.5 million in grants to regional centers and individual scholars who will use the money to conduct their research in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the former Soviet Union. PCRI will also research Pentecostal and charismatic Christian communities in Los Angeles."Our goal is to inspire research partnerships around the globe and fund projects that will shape the discussion for years to come," said Donald Miller, executive director of the CRCC and professor of religion at USC. Miller, the author of Global Pentecostalism: The New Face of Christian Social Engagement, continued, "We are interested in understanding why Pentecostalism is growing so rapidly, what impact it is having on society, and how it is different in various cultural settings."
Approximately 500 million people worldwide consider themselves Pentecostal or charismatic Christians. The movement distinguishes itself from other forms of Christianity both by its powerful forms of worship, prayer, and manifestation of the Spirit, and its power to effect profound social, cultural and economic changes. Scholars across a variety of disciplines agree it is necessary to understand the significant growth and impact of this religious movement.
"[Pentecostalism] has far-reaching implications for international politics and interactions among religious groups," said Brie Loskota, PCRI program officer and managing director of the CRCC. "Studying Pentecostal and charismatic Christianity is critical to understanding the ways in which religion shapes our world."
For additional coverage of the grant, visit the Charisma Mag and Religion News Service websites.
Eligibility requirements and the full request for proposals are available on the PCRI website.
Posted Thursday, February 26, 2009