Edward Z. Ablang

Edward Z. Ablang (peace studies and history) is interested in research that encompasses religion and U.S. international affairs including: religious nationalism, religious conservative movements, the Christian Right, Jewish-Christian-Muslim relations as well as tensions in religion and the nation-state. Edward's interests are rooted in his experience as a missionary cleric. Through this work, he facilitated a reconciliation process in the United States, at the request of Vatican prelature; expanded community networks in Spain; and carried out operations in Belgium, France, and Italy. His pastoral training also includes a year with the Archdiocese of New York before transitioning to academia and public service.

After religious ministry, Edward did policy, research, and programming work at The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the UN Institute for Training and Research, and the Peacemakers Network. His work accomplishments include the launching of a religion and mediation course in collaboration with the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UN Department of Political Affairs. He also prepared the first roundtable of UN officials and religious leaders in New York City. Moreover, Edward executed the planning for a delegation visit of East Libyan tribal leaders to meet the UN Security Council and U.S. government officials, a rare travel privilege granted during the “Muslim Travel Ban” in the U.S.

Edward holds a Master’s in Religion, Ethics, and Politics from Harvard University where he was a Religion, Conflict and Peace Fellow. At Harvard, he received a summer grant to support the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music, the main hub of orchestral training for Palestinian communities, promoting cultural and national identity through music education. He also completed a Master’s in International Relations from New York University, writing his thesis on religious engagement and U.S. national security. He holds a Certificate in Philosophy and Theology from St. John’s University in New York in addition to a Bachelor’s in Classical Languages and Music from the University of Pittsburgh.

Edward is a Notre Dame Presidential Fellow, and his scholar-practitioner research aims to advance the public understanding of religion. He is from Virginia Beach, Virginia.