Survey Shows U.S. Christian Population Stabilizing

Mar 5, 2025

1 min

Dr. Julie Byrne, Hofstra University’s Monsignor Thomas Hartman Chair in Catholic Studies and chair of the Department of Religion, was interviewed by Newsday about a survey released by the Pew Research Center that found that the share of Americans identifying as Christian appears to have stabilized after falling for years.

Dr. Byrne said that the stabilization in “Christian adherence might mean, among other things, that Christian churches learned from the prior years’ huge decline not to take for granted its majority-religion status, and that the churches tried new strategies of tone, outreach, and connection that kept the people they already had.

Connect with:

Julie Byrne

Professor and Monsignor Thomas Hartman Chair in Catholic Studies

The Professor and Monsignor Thomas Hartman Chair in Catholic Studies at Hofstra University

Religion and Popular CultureReligion and SportsPope FrancisIndependent CatholicsRoman Catholics

Find Experts

Jun 4, 2026

2 min

The World Cup Beyond the Pitch

As the FIFA World Cup kicks off this month across Canada, the United States, and Mexico, global attention will focus on the action on the field. But some of the most important stories surrounding the tournament may happen beyond the final score. A recent Hofstra University article 'Hofstra History Professor Plays Key Role in 2026 World Cup Antidiscrimination Efforts' highlighted the work of historian and soccer scholar Brenda Elsey, who has been involved in efforts to address discrimination, inclusion, and fan culture issues connected to major international football events. Her work examines how race, gender, politics, identity, and social change intersect with the world's most popular sport. Dr. Brenda Elsey is a leading soccer scholar whose research explores the intersection of football, politics, gender, and society in Latin America. She has written extensively on the history and cultural impact of the sport, including its role in shaping identity, social movements, and international events. View her profile here For journalists, the 2026 World Cup presents opportunities to explore topics ranging from fan behaviour and inclusivity to the social and cultural impacts of hosting one of the largest sporting events on the planet. Questions around accessibility, equity, nationalism, gender representation, and the evolving role of sport in public life are expected to be part of the broader conversation surrounding the tournament. Brenda Elsey is a leading expert on the history, politics, and culture of soccer, with particular expertise in issues of gender, discrimination, and social justice in sport. Her research has examined how major international tournaments reflect broader societal trends and challenges, making her a valuable source for media looking to provide deeper context beyond match results and standings. Whether covering host cities, fan experiences, emerging controversies, or the legacy of the tournament, journalists seeking expert insight into the broader cultural significance of FIFA World Cup 2026 should consider connecting with Brenda Elsey.

May 28, 2026

1 min

Dr. Herman Berliner to be Honored at CUNY Graduate Center Commencement

Dr. Herman A. Berliner, Hofstra University provost emeritus and professor of economics, will be honored at the 60th annual commencement of CUNY Graduate Center, City University of New York, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Dr. Berliner, who earned a PhD in economics from CUNY Graduate Center and a bachelor’s degree from CUNY’s City College, will receive the President’s Distinguished Alumni Medal. He served as Hofstra University Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs for 28 years and multiple terms as dean of the Frank G. Zarb School of Business. The CUNY Graduate Center commencement ceremony will be held at Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall.

May 26, 2026

1 min

Julian Ku Discusses China-Taiwan Tensions in The New York Times

Hofstra Law Professor Julian Ku offers insight into rising geopolitical tensions between China and Taiwan in a recent New York Times feature. The article, “Inside the Secret Mission to Fly Taiwan’s President to Africa,” examined how several countries reportedly denied airspace access for Lai’s aircraft amid pressure from Beijing. A scholar of international law and U.S. foreign relations law, Professor Ku framed the episode as part of a broader strategic effort by China to constrain Taiwan through legal and regulatory means rather than direct confrontation.