Flashpoints are curated collections of opinion pieces centered around contemporary debates on religion and policy in the Americas. In the creation of each Flashpoint,we invite distinguished scholars and activists from across the Americas to contribute short opinion essays that draw on their particular expertise as well as their national, geographic, disciplinary, or personal context.

Marriage Equality | April 2011

The Flashpoint on Marriage Equality focuses on specific national debates over same-sex marriage and how such debates connect to the management, structure, and tensions of the secular state as it variously grapples with claims for rights and recognition. Authors include Rebecca Alpert (Temple University), Lori Beaman (University of Ottawa), Rafael de la Dehesa (College of Staten Island/City University of New York), Ann Pellegrini (New York University), and Juan Vaggione (Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina). This Flashpoint also includes a video commentary from activist and radio host Troy Williams (KRCL 90.9 FM in Salt Lake City, Utah).

The Ground Zero Mosque Controversy | November 2010

This Flashpoint investigates the ongoing controversy over the so-called “Ground Zero mosque” and the issues it raises regarding religion, national belonging, and race in the United States and beyond. Authors include Evelyn Alsultany (University of Michigan), Jeremy F. Walton (New York University),  and Ann Pellegrini (New York University).