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Lost in the Cold War: The Story of Jack Downey, America’s Longest-Held POW (A Nancy Bernkopf Tucker and Warren I. Cohen Book on American–East Asian Relations)

The Bread of the Strong: Lacouturisme and the Folly of the Cross, 1910-1985 (Catholic Practice in North America (FUP))

Jack Downey teaches courses on contemporary justice movements, liberation theologies, North American religious history, Christianity, Buddhism, and contemplative traditions. Dr. Downey arrived at the University of Rochester from Philadelphia, where he was Associate Professor of Religion and Theology at La Salle University. He received his Ph.D. from the Department of Theology at Fordham University, and is the author of The Bread of the Strong, a study of contemplative influences on Dorothy Day and the Catholic Worker movement. His current research projects examine self-immolation, forms of protest, violence, Roman Catholicism in Alaska and Québec, and asceticism.

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self-immolation

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The Religious Studies Project

Rochester scholars, faithful look ahead with new pope selection

Native American children endured years of sexual abuse at boarding schools

Why self-immolation has been used by political protesters for decades

The History of Self-Immolation as Political Protest

Jack Downey: Family tragedy channeled into a passion for social justice

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Jack Downey is the  John Henry Newman Professor of Roman Catholic Studies at the University of Rochester.

John Henry Newman Professor of Roman Catholic Studies, Professor of Religion and Classics

  The world is watching the Vatican as cardinals from across the globe gather for the papal conclave.

The monumental event, which involves cardinals closing themselves off in the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope, is steeped in history, mystery, and speculation. The new pontiff will be expected to make difficult decisions about the future direction of the Catholic church, which has almost 1.4 billion followers worldwide, and address the Vatican's strained finances and its sexual abuse scandals.

 If you're a reporter looking for an expert who can provide valuable insight, perspective and opinion on any angle of the events unfolding in Vatican City, consider reaching out to Jack Downey, the John Henry Newman Professor of Roman Catholic Studies at the University of Rochester. 

Downey and his scholarship have been featured in media outlets such as The Washington Post, National Public Radio, and Time Magazine. Simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.





Covering the Conclave? Our Expert Can Help.

Self-Immolation as Resistance with Prof. Jack Down (@xjackdowneyx) of the University of Rochester. 

We talk about self-immolation (the act of setting yourself on fire) as a tactic of resistance. It has been used through the centuries, including more recently during the Vietnam War (in Vietnam and the U.S.), Arab Spring and the Tibetan movement against Chinese occupation.

This is a Green and Red Podcast production. Produced by Scott   (@sparki1969) and Bob  (@bobbuzzanco). "Green and Red Blues" by Moody.  Video editing by Scott.

Self-Immolation as Resistance. G&amp;R talks with Prof. Jack Downey of the University of Rochester

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