What Can the United States Learn from Other Countries?

Religion, Politics, and the Many Elections of 2024

Presentation by Rev. Susan Hayward, dinner and discussion
Wednesday, October 23, 2024, 4:30-6:00 pm
Founders Room (Quad 170), Saint John’s University


The last decade has seen a rise in authoritarianism, the ascendency of nationalism, and the increased influence of religious fundamentalism. This year more than two billion people are eligible to vote in elections taking place in more than seventy countries. In many of these countries, these three global trends were on the ballot. As the United States prepares for its November election, Rev. Susan Hayward will share with us what the U.S. might be able to learn from these other countries.

A person with long brown hair is smiling and wearing a black turtleneck sweater and a beaded necklace. The background is a lush green forest, slightly blurred.

Rev. Susan Hayward is the transitional Associate Minister for Justice Organizing and Adult Faith Formation at the Mayflower Church (United Church of Christ) in Minneapolis. Rev. Hayward has nearly two decades of experience in human rights, peacebuilding, and teaching. She is co-editor of the book Women, Religion, and Peacebuilding: Illuminating the Unseen. She has taught at Harvard University, Georgetown University, and George Washington University. She has served as a member of the Council of Foreign Relations and worked with the Religion and Inclusive Societies team at the U.S. Institute of Peace where she partnered with faith-based and religious actors worldwide to transform violence and advance just peace in places like Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Columbia.