A Meaningful Discussion on Faith & Civic Life
On Wednesday, October 8th, from 10:00am to 10:50am, President Jim Cawley visited Rosemont College’s UC Honors course on US Politics and Religion. His visit offered students an engaging opportunity to explore the complex relationship between faith and political life in the United States.
The course, taught by Dr. Glenn B. Siniscalchi, assistant professor of theology and religious studies, examines how religion and politics have interacted throughout American history. Students begin by studying the nation’s founding and then explore key historical developments that continue to influence civic life today.
Topics in the course include religious liberty, toleration, the separation of church and state, the rise of neoliberalism, political polarization, and the growing influence of Christian nationalism. A major goal of the course is to consider how Americans can work toward greater unity in an increasingly divided society.
Insights from President Jim Cawley
President Jim Cawley brought with him decades of experience in public service, providing students with an informed and practical perspective on the intersection of faith and civic life. Over the course of his career, he has served as Chief of Staff to Pennsylvania State Senator Tommy Tomlinson, as Bucks County Commissioner, and as the 32nd Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania.
During the class, President Cawley emphasized that religion and politics should remain separate but not entirely disconnected. Both, he explained, are vital to protecting human dignity and advancing the common good.
President Cawley also discussed recent statistics from the Pew Research Forum to support his points. His deep understanding of government and his passion for civic engagement enriched the discussion. At one moment, he recounted a personal experience related to the Church’s teaching on public service. This example helped students understand how the tension between religion and politics can affect individuals serving in government roles.
Assistant Professor Roseanne Corey Rissmiller reflected on the experience, stating:
“I felt Jim did an excellent job of expressing his ideas. He invited each and every student in the class to share their thoughts on the subject matter, and in doing so created an exchange of insights that enhanced the conversation.”
Encouraging Continued Dialogue
Students left the class inspired to keep the conversation going. President Cawley reminded the class that the dialogue between religion and politics must remain open, respectful, and evolving. He encouraged students to approach these topics with curiosity and courage as they prepare to become informed citizens and thoughtful leaders.
Rennie Andrews, director of development at Rosemont, remarked on the quality and impact of the presentation:
“Jim’s presentation was excellent. He is a knowledgeable, engaging, and thought provoking teacher. He was well prepared, knew his subject, and involved the class.”
Assistant Professor Key Coleman praised the discussion’s tone and impact:
“President Cawley was able to provide students and other attendees with an articulate, non partisan oral essay on the two topics Americans hold most dear as ‘freedoms.’ One of several takeaways was that we should be able to hear differing opinions and the bases for those opinions without drowning each other out.”
A Message of Gratitude
Rosemont College sincerely thanks President Jim Cawley for his time and insight. His visit to the UC Honors course provided meaningful lessons about civic responsibility, moral reflection, and the importance of ongoing discussion in public life.
Reflecting on the visit, President Cawley shared:
“I enjoyed the opportunity to interact with our students and appreciated their thoughtful engagement with such an important topic.”
