With more than 1.6 billion adherents, Islam is the world’s second-largest religion. John L. Esposito, professor of Islamic studies at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., will discuss its role in the global mosaic in his free public lecture “The Future of Islam and Muslim-West Relations: why does it matter?” in room 100, Toldo Health Education Centre, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, September 20.

Dr. Esposito is the author of numerous books exploring the impact of faith on international affairs, including Religion and Globalization, Who Speaks for Islam?, Islam: the Straight Path, What Everyone Needs to Know About Islam, and World Religions Today. He will sign some of his newest works during Wednesday’s appearance, which is sponsored by Assumption University and organized by John Cappucci, Stephen A. Jarislowsky Chair in Religion and Conflict.

“To welcome John Esposito — one of the most distinguished scholars of Islam today — is indeed a great honour for Assumption University,” Dr. Cappucci says. “Dr. Esposito's impressive publication, teaching, and service records have garnered him immense respect not only from within the academy, but also from communities around the globe.”