The Religious Diversity of Newport (Tues., Oct. 13 TOUR)

This seminar will combine two classroom sessions with one walk-and-talk tour of Newport. We will overview the religious landscape of Western Europe in the 15th century, which led to a migration of individuals and groups seeking religious freedom in the “New World.” We will then examine the “lively experiment” that took place in the colony of Rhode Island and rediscover elements of Newport—a city that remains both a historical and living laboratory of this experience. A sense of curiosity, as well as comfortable walking shoes, will be helpful for our leisurely two-mile downtown stroll. This class was previously offered in Fall 2024.

John Rok recently retired from Salve Regina University after serving more than 40 years in a variety of administrative positions in student affairs and as an associate professor in the department of religious and theological studies. He earned graduate degrees in Theology (Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium) and Education (Providence College) and a CAGS in Humanities (Salve Regina University). A native Rhode Islander, he has resided on Aquidneck Island for over 50 years and lives in Portsmouth with his wife Kitty, also a retired Salve faculty member.