Marquette University Center for Peacemaking

05/29/2026

Episode 9 is live! Dr. Terry Rynne, co-founder of the Center for Peacemaking, discusses how the idea of the Center for Peacemaking evolved out of his long-standing interest in and study of Gandhian and Gospel-based nonviolence. He also shares how recent Popes including John XXII, Benedict XVI, Francis, and Leo XIV have embraced a return to Gospel nonviolence. Ultimately, Rynne shares success stories from the Center and why he believes those trained in Peace Studies will be future leaders in industries ranging from finance to healthcare to public service. Listen at https://www.marquette.edu/peacemaking/podcast.php

05/05/2026

Tom Durkin, director of safety education for the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation, discusses how targeted attacks, kidnapping, and even digital threats are reshaping the landscape of safety preparation for journalists both abroad and at home. He shares about the work of the Foley Foundation, including their online curriculum and risk assessment tools that are transforming journalism education for students and seasoned journalists alike. Durkin also touches on his work with Marquette students through the Center for Peacemaking. Listen at https://www.marquette.edu/peacemaking/podcast.php

05/01/2026

Episode 7 is now live! Sister Helen Prejean, C.S.J. joined John Byrne to share stories and wisdom from her lifelong journey advocating for the abolition of the death penalty. She discussed how she was pulled into this work, ways the death penalty negatively impacts society at large, and how Catholic teaching on the death penalty has evolved in recent years. To close the episode, Prejean reveals how experiences with empathy, forgiveness, and faith can reshape our understanding of justice and give direction to how we are called to act today. Links to listen at https://www.marquette.edu/peacemaking/podcast.php.

04/23/2026

Listen to episode 6 now! Dr. Louise Cainkar, professor of Social and Cultural Sciences and director of Peace Studies at Marquette University, discussed how she became interested in researching human rights and her scholarship on the impact of 9/11 on Arab and Muslim communities. She also shared about the value of Marquette’s Peace Studies program, including opportunities to participate in programs such as the recent Engaging Muslims, Countering Islamophobia immersion. To close the episode, Cainkar discusses the need for human dignity in addressing immigration and the role hope plays in sustaining her research, teaching, and advocacy. Links to listen at https://www.marquette.edu/peacemaking/podcast.php.

Cainkar is the author of Homeland Insecurity: The Arab American and Muslim American Experience After 9/11 (https://www.russellsage.org/publications/book/homeland-insecurity-0). Resources mentioned include Council on American-Islamic Relations (https://www.cair.com/), Institute for Social Policy & Understanding (https://ispu.org/), and The Bridge Initiative at Georgetown University (https://bridge.georgetown.edu/).

04/16/2026

Listen now to episode 5! Delve into the world of financial regulations with an expert panel on the critical need for collaboration between financial institutions, regulators, and nonprofits to ensure that humanitarian efforts are not stifled by regulatory hurdles.

Brian Kimari, coordinator of Kenya NPO Working Group on the Financial Action Task Force, discusses how the Financial Action Task Force has produced unintended impacts on peacebuilding and human rights organizations in Kenya with Recommendation 8. Michael Beer, co-director at Nonviolence International, discusses how derisking has impacted Nonviolence International. And Poorvika Mehra, Howard S. Brembeck Fellow at the Charity & Security Network, discusses the challenges posed by de-risking and de-banking practices that often hinder nonprofit organizations from accessing essential financial services.

Their combined analysis uncovers the need for a truly risk-based approach that balances compliance with the operational realities of civil society groups. Links to listen at https://www.marquette.edu/peacemaking/podcast.php

04/15/2026

Director featured in WISN segment; new podcast episodes out -

04/02/2026

Listen now to episode 4! John Byrne speaks with T. Michael McNulty, S.J. about ethics in real estate, immigration policy, and educating leaders who recognize that small steps can have big impacts. The conversation touches on the important role of zoning boards, the case for open immigration, and the value of good trouble to effect change. Links to listen at https://www.marquette.edu/peacemaking/podcast.php.

03/12/2026

Listen to episode 3 now! John Byrne speaks with Dr. Grant Silva, about how his philosophy course on global justice challenges students to expand their understandings of power, justice, globalization, and nationalism. The course was in part inspired by field research he conducted along the U.S.-Mexico border, including a ride along with a Customs and Border Patrol unit. Dr. Silva also shares his unique approach to understanding racism as a form of self-love, which he argues allows for better understanding of the motivations individuals act on, even when their beliefs are said to lack bias, prejudice, or “hatred”. Listen at https://www.marquette.edu/peacemaking/podcast.php

His forthcoming monograph will expand upon the article “Racism as Self-Love” is available at https://www.pdcnet.org/pdc/bvdb.nsf/purchase26?openform&fp=radphilrev&id=radphilrev_2019_0022_0001_0085_0112 and https://epublications.marquette.edu/phil_fac/774/

03/03/2026

Today is and a friend has presented us with an incredible challenge! Paul Porretta, Arts ’81, will give $200 to the Center for Peacemaking Civil Rights Pilgrimage for every donor who supports the pilgrimage, up to $5,000. Will you help us reach this goal?

It's Give Marquette Day, our ninth annual day of giving! Join me in making a gift today.

02/27/2026

"The Need for Courage: Experiments with Peace" podcast launched and more updates -