The Rev. Cannon Michael Alan Bourdeaux, the founding director of the Keston Institute, Oxford, England, will discuss religious liberty issues in Russia at DePaul University’s 16^th annual Center for Church/State Studies Lecture at 3 p.m. April 29 at the University Club of Chicago, 76 E. Monroe St.

Through his scholarship and insight, Bourdeaux became one of the preeminent scholars in understanding how religious faith survived communism’s 70-year effort to eradicate religion within its borders. In founding the Keston Institute, Bourdeaux developed a research institute and an important archive of religious life under communism. He also investigated the state of faith in the absence of civilly protected religious freedom. Bourdeaux will explain the historical and contemporary issues that influence current legislation and religious life in East and Central Europe and the former Soviet Union.

Founded in 1983 to foster continuing dialogue between members of the legal, policy-making and religious constituencies of society, the Center for Church/State Studies is housed at the College of Law at DePaul. Under the direction of Craig Mousin, an ordained minister and DePaul law professor, the center has received support from foundations and individuals to support academic debate about the liberties and protections of the First Amendment. The center is non-denominational and does not take positions on constitutional issues or litigate.

A reception immediately follows the lecture. Both are free and open to the public, but reservations are required. Call Jennifer Donham at 312/362-8818 to reserve a space.