Dr. John Cappucci 
The Stephen A. Jarislowsky Chair in Religion and Conflict
Dr. John Cappucci holds the Stephen A. Jarislowsky Chair in Religion and Conflict at Assumption University. He earned a Ph.D. in political science from Carleton University; an M.A. from Queen’s University in Kingston; and an Honours B.A. from the University of Windsor. This role includes teaching, service, and research components. Dr. Cappucci has nearly 18 years of post-secondary teaching experience facilitating undergraduate and graduate courses. His research focuses on the intersections between religion and politics, particularly the treatment of religious minorities by the state. Dr. Cappucci’s refereed journal articles have appeared in several national and international publications, including Religions, Bulletin for the Study of Religion, Journal of Contemporary Antisemitism, Contemporary Jewry, Canadian Jewish Studies, Fieldwork in Religion, Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs and Journal of Shi’a Islamic Studies. Dr. Cappucci recently submitted a journal article, based on his recent research project on Ahmadi Muslims and religious persecution.
In 2026, Dr. Cappucci launched his latest study entitled, “The Fading or Flourishing Flame: Zoroastrianism and the Future of the Religion.” This study seeks to determine if Zoroastrians are open to religious reforms in order to potentially increase the number of adherents. To answer this question, Dr. Cappucci is conducting interviews with adult members of the Zoroastrian community of Canada and the United States. This project has been approved by the University of Windsor Research Ethics Board and is funded by the Jarislowsky Chair in Religion and Conflict.
For his contributions to research, teaching, and service, Dr. Cappucci was promoted to the rank of Associate Professor in 2021. In 2025, for his work in building bridges with various faith community, Dr. Cappucci was presented with the King Charles III Coronation Medal. The medal is awarded to Canadians who have many significant contributions to Canadian society.
About the Chair
Launched in 2004, the Chair in Religion and Conflict was established at Assumption University thanks to a generous $1-million donation from The Jarislowsky Foundation and a matching gift from the Basilian Fathers of Sandwich in Ontario. Since its establishment in 2004, there have been five holders of the chair.
The Fading or Flourishing Flame: Zoroastrianism and the Future of the Religion
May 13, 2026
Brief Summary – The Fading or Flourishing Flame: Zoroastrians and the Future of the Religion
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May 15, 2026 Primary Investigator: Dr. John Cappucci Funding Source: The Stephen Jarislowsky Chair in Religion and Conflict at Assumption University Purpose: The study explores if Canadian and American Zoroastrians are open to religious reforms Method: Structured Interviews Sample Size: 90 Demographics Gender: 47 Female, 40 Male and 3 Non-Binary/Gender Queer Average Age: 40.28 Years Age Range: 18 to 81 Years (Statistical Range = 63 Years) Birth Country: India, USA, Pakistan, Iran, Canada, UAE, UK, and others Education: College Diploma to Medical/Doctoral Residency: 59 Canada and 31 USA Ethnicity: 55 Parsi, 19 Iranian, 12 Both, 1 Convert, 1 Neither, 1 Interfaith, 1 Other Priestly Class: 24 participants Priests: 3 priests Brief Overview The researcher interviewed 90 members of the Zoroastrian community of Canada and the United States to determine their openness for religious reform. To participate in the study, individuals needed to identify as Zoroastrian or Parsi, be at least 18 years of age or older, and live in Canada or the United States. In addition to the demographic questions, participants were asked five questions, including a) whether Zoroastrianism is in a state of growth or decline, b) whether they support or against conversion to the faith, c) whether they support or against interfaith marriage, d) whether they support full involvement of women who have married outside of the faith and their children, and e) whether they believe changes are needed in order for the faith to survive into the future Question 1 – Growth or Decline A majority of participants (53 out of 90) believe Zoroastrianism is in decline, 29 have a mixed position on this question and 8 believe the religion is growing. Many participants focused on the decline in numbers with the religion decreasingly rapidly in India and Iran. There are increases in North America, but that is largely due to migration. There is also a low birthrate and marriage rate. Question 2 – Conversion A majority of participants (71 out of 90) believe Zoroastrianism should be open to conversion, 9 are against, 7 are opened to it on a limited basis and 3 were indifferent. The sample is open to conversion but do not support a proselytizing approach. Instead, individuals would have to study for the religion and approach it seriously. |
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Question 3 – Interfaith Marriage A majority of participants (74 out of 90) supported interfaith marriage, 5 were against, 8 were possibly open, 2 were indifferent and 1 had a unique opinion. The participants noted that one should marry for love not religion. They explained that marriage is difficult enough without adding the religion question. There was also the point about the dispersal of the Zoroastrian community around the globe. In turn, this makes it difficult to find a partner, particularly if there are only a few Zoroastrian families in a small city. For those who were against, they noted that the religion is already small enough and interfaith marriage will make it even smaller. Question 4 – Full Access to Women in Interfaith Marriages and Children of Interfaith Marriages A strong majority (81 out of 90) supported Zoroastrian women who have married non-Zoroastrian partners to remain in the community and fully participate in religious rituals and have access to Zoroastrian fire temples. The sample also believed that the children of interfaith marriages should be fully involved in religious and community rituals, including having a navjote to the faith. Many participants noted that this rule was influenced by patriarchal biases and that one does not change their religion simply because they marry outside of the faith Question 5 – Changes and the Future The participants had several responses. There is a general sentiment that Zoroastrian practices will need to change, but the principles of the faith will remain the same, such as Good Thoughts, Good Words, and Good Deeds. Many referenced the need to open the faith to conversion and those in interfaith marriages or children of interfaith marriages Others stated that matters have progressed too far and the faith will eventually become extinct. There are those that see changes already occurring with increased awareness of the faith through social media. Some participants also pointed to a general openness to reform in North American Zoroastrian communities. Conclusions The sample is overwhelming supportive of reforming the traditional practices of the faith. Further research is needed to determine if this sample is reflective of the North American Zoroastrian population or perhaps only certain elements. In addition, more scholarly research is needed on Zoroastrian communities of North America in general, particularly the larger concentrations in California, Toronto, Houston, Vancouver, and New York. The participants were overwhelming interested in the subject matter and taking part in the research. Click the link below to download the final summary. |
Link to Download Final Summary: Fading or Flourishing
Brief Summary – A Forgotten Minority: The Christians of India and Religious PersecutionDr. John Cappucci Stephen Jarislowsky Chair in Religion and Conflict June 15, 2024 This study sought to determine the nature of religious persecution faced by Christians in India – the country’s third largest religious group. To answer this question, one-on-one interviews were conducted with Indian Christians. Individuals who identified as Indian, Christian (any branch), and are 18 years of age or older were welcome to participate in the study. The interviews generally took approximately 20 to 45 minutes and could be conducted in person or via Zoom. The questions were both open and closed questions. Those who participated received a $20.00 gift card. While the study remains open, there are a total of 28 participants enrolled in the study as of this date. The average age of respondents was nearly 29 years of age. A majority of respondents were male and held post-secondary credentials or were working on obtaining post-secondary credentials. There were 12 Christian branches and 10 Indian states represented in the sample. The participants were mostly newcomers to Canada having spent an average of less than seven years in the country. In addition to the demographic questions, the respondents were asked eight major questions, namely familiarity with anti-Christian discrimination in India; motivation for anti-Christian discrimination; experience being discriminated against; knowledge of others being discriminated against; witnessing churches or other sacred sites being vandalized; experiencing pressure to convert; perception of Christians as a forgotten minority; and the future of Christianity in India. With a few exceptions, the respondents were familiar to some degree of the discrimination facing Christian Indians. Many believe that political forces are exacerbating the situation, particularly by various Hindu nationalist groups promoting Hindutva. There were a few participants who have experienced religious discrimination directly. The participants did share of incidents involving others. The participants have either seen vandalized churches and sacred sites or heard about incidents through the media. Very few participants experienced pressure to convert but were aware of the desire for Christians to “return” to Hinduism. Most believe that Christians are indeed a forgotten minority for a variety of reasons. Lastly, the participants were divided on the future of Christianity in India. |
Link to Download Final Summary: A Forgotten Minority
“Old Tensions or New Relations: Canadian Catholic Views on Judaism” – Presentation by Dr. John Cappucci
The event was on June 23, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.
Brief Summary of Results
Old Tensions or New Relations: Canadian Catholic Views on Judaism
Dr. John Cappucci
Stephen Jarislowsky Chair in Religion and Conflict
Assumption University
June 5, 2022
The main question of this study is whether the Catholic Church’s current position on Jews, Judaism, and Jewish-Catholic relations has been accepted by Canadian Catholics. At the outset, there are a host of variables that could influence a Catholic’s position on the subject, but two variables seem to present themselves as the most impactful, namely sense of religious orientation (nominal, progressive, moderate, or traditional) and the Canadian political party the individual most identifies.
To determine if there is an association, an online survey was conducted via Qualtrics. The survey was open to adult Catholics of any rite living in or with one residence in the Diocese of London (comprised of nine counties in Southwestern Ontario). There were 72 respondents total with 64 completing most or part of the survey questions. The respondents ranged in age from 19 to 87 years with an average of 53.30 years. About 87% of participants were of the Roman-rite of the Catholic Church, with others identifying as Chaldean, Maronite, or Ukrainian-Greek. Just over one-third of respondents possessed graduate credentials. The majority of respondents were born in Canada with nearly all respondents being born into the Catholic faith.
Results
Over 60% of respondents had a positive perception of the Jewish community in the area. There were 17.54% who were neutral or 12.28% who were uncertain. There were respondents who noted that they did not have a Jewish community in their area. About 57% of respondents believe that Jews are not responsible for the crucifixion of Jesus with 26% believing that Jews were responsible. The respondents rejected the wandering belief and replacement theology. The respondents also strongly supported the belief that Jews and Catholics share a common religious heritage. The respondents affirmed the importance of fighting antisemitism. The respondents had mixed thoughts on the Catholic position toward the State of Israel. In reference to the hypotheses, there is a relationship between one’s religious orientation and one’s perception of Jews and Judaism. There is a less pronounced relationship between one’s political party and one’s perception of Jews and Judaism.
ROMAN ROADHOUSE Series – Presentation by Dr. John Cappucci
“The Church and the Jews: A Complete 180“.
The event was on February 24, 2022 at 7:30 p.m.
Call for Participants: Canadian Catholic Views on Judaism
Please see the Letter of Information Final for full details about the study.
If interested, complete the survey HERE.
Fr. Paul McGill Essay Contest
This essay prize was established in 2019 to honour Fr. Paul McGill, CSB who has promoted ecumenical and interfaith dialogue throughout his priestly ministry. The essay prize seeks submissions on how religion and spirituality can be used to promote peace in the contemporary world. The selection committee invites submissions from graduating seniors at all high schools in Windsor-Essex, Chatham-Kent, and Sarnia-Lambton counties The financial support for this essay prize is generously made possible by the Stephen Jarislowsky Chair in Religion and Conflict at Assumption University. The recipient of the prize receives $300.00 along with a plaque commemorating their achievement. The 2021-2022 contest will open in the late Fall of 2021.
Past Recipients
2021 – Miss Olivia Anne Wahby
2020 – Miss Carol Adu-Bobie
Understanding Rumi: From Islamic Roots to Universal Appeal
Rumi’s immense popularity in recent decades has at times obscured his Islamic roots. This talk will contextualize Rumi’s spirituality by considering who Rumi was, and discussing some of the main themes of his work.
William Rory Dickson is Associate Professor and Chair of the Religion and Culture Department at the University of Winnipeg. His research focuses on contemporary Islam and Sufism. Dickson’s first book, Living Sufism in North America (2015) charts the history of Sufism in North America before considering its diverse expressions. Dickson has co-authored two further books on Sufism (2017, 2018), and has published articles in Contemporary Islam, Studies in Religion, Religion Compass, and Social Compass.
Brief Summary – The Persistent Prejudice: Contemporary Antisemitism in a Canadian Region
It would have been expected that by the third decade of the twenty-first century, antisemitism, a prejudice that is nearly three millennia old would have been finally uprooted from contemporary society. Unfortunately, the reality is quite the opposite of this hopeful expectation. Given that Canada is home to the third largest Jewish community in the world, the need for serious scholarly research on antisemitism in Canada is imperative coupled with the historic significance of the Jewish community of Windsor-Essex, a study on antisemitism is in order. Beginning in 2020, Dr. Cappucci, the Stephen Jarislowsky Chair in Religion and Conflict at Assumption University conducted two online surveys on antisemitism in Windsor-Essex. The surveys were concluded in April 2021 followed by a public presentation in May. A brief summary of results will be available shortly.
Surveys on Antisemitism in Windsor-Essex
Dr. Cappucci, Stephen Jarislowsky Chair in Religion and Conflict @assumption_u is conducting two surveys, trying to determine how prevalent antisemitism is in Windsor-Essex. Dr. Cappucci spoke with Tony Doucette from the CBC about this work at 7:12 AM. Tune to 97.5 FM in Windsor or 91.9 FM in Leamington.
Believe, Pray, and Obey: Three indicators of Religiosity in a Jewish Canadian Community
The Stephen Jarislowsky Chair in Religion and Conflict, Dr. John Cappucci’s refereed article, “Believe, Pray, and Obey: Three Indicators of Religiosity in a Jewish Canadian Community” has just been published in Canadian Jewish Studies (Vol. 30).
Progressives and Purists: A Study of Religiosity in a Canadian-Jewish Community
One of the most pressing challenges facing the Jewish community of Windsor today is the struggle to maintain its religious identity in the face of an increasingly secular society. This type of environment prompts the question as to whether Jews have maintained their religious heritage or abandoned it? In order to answer this question, 50 interviews have been conducted with members of the Windsor-Essex Jewish community on their religious beliefs and practices. To measure religiosity, this project employed several indicators, such as belief in G-d, prayer life, Shabbat practices, synagogue life, holidays, and dietary laws. It is the goal of this presentation to highlight the many unique expressions of Judaism in the city.
Resources
The Stephen Jarislowsky Chair in Religion and Conflict was established in 2004 with a generous donation from the Stephen Jarislowsky Foundation and the Basilian Fathers of Sandwich. Past holders have included, Fr. Paul Rennick, CSB (2004), Fr. Mario D’Souza, CSB (2005), Dr. Martha Lee (2005-2010), and Dr. Norman King (2010-2016). In addition to an active research agenda, the chair is involved in the community providing classes on topics such as the Abrahamic faiths, women and religion, religion and politics, and Catholic-Jewish relations. Each year, the chair invites guest speakers from a variety of religious and spiritual backgrounds to speak about a topic of relevance in the contemporary world. The chair’s past speakers have included John Esposito, Andrew Bennett, and Murray Sinclair. In 2019, the chair established the Fr. Paul McGill, CSB Essay Contest for graduating high school students in the region.