The Fellowships at Auschwitz for the Study of Professional Ethics (FASPE) has opened applications for its 2026 Clergy & Religious Leaders Fellowship program, offering an unprecedented opportunity for emerging religious leaders to examine professional ethics through one of history’s darkest chapters.
Running from June 19 to July 3, 2026, this fully-funded fellowship takes participants to Berlin and Poland for an intensive exploration of how clergy responded—or failed to respond—to Nazi policies, using these historical lessons to address contemporary ethical challenges facing religious communities.
Unlike traditional Holocaust studies or genocide prevention programs, FASPE takes a distinctive approach by focusing specifically on professional ethics and leadership responsibility. The program examines how German and international clergy enabled or resisted Nazi policies, drawing parallels to the ethical dilemmas religious leaders face today.
“The opportunity to travel and build friendships with such a diverse group of passionate and committed individuals was truly a gift,” reflects Elizabeth Andrasi, a 2015 FASPE Clergy Fellow. “It brought to life the possibility and strength of joining hands across faith traditions and professions to confront the ethical issues we face in our time.”
The fellowship tackles complex topics that remain relevant to modern religious leadership:
The program includes joint sessions with Medical and Journalism Fellows, allowing participants to explore how ethical challenges manifest across different professions. This interdisciplinary approach broadens understanding of professional responsibility beyond religious contexts.
FASPE seeks graduate students and early-career professionals in formative stages of developing their professional identity and influence as leaders in their fields. While applications that don’t strictly adhere to these guidelines will still be considered, preference may be given to those more closely aligned with the outlined parameters.
FASPE Clergy & Religious Leaders applicants must either:
Students may be studying at seminaries, divinity schools, rabbinical schools, Muslim chaplaincy programs, or other graduate programs related to religious or theological training.
FASPE seeks applicants engaged in or preparing for practical or vocational service. Notably:
FASPE selects fellows based on:
The ideal candidate demonstrates:
FASPE values and actively creates inclusive environments, welcoming applicants of all:
All applications are welcome and reviewed, with FASPE seeking 13 to 16 fellows each year from this diverse pool of candidates.
The fellowship leverages the “power of place” by conducting seminars at key Nazi historical sites. This immersive experience, combined with academic rigor and informal exchange opportunities, creates a transformative learning environment that participants describe as life-changing.
Fellows participate in daily seminars led by specialized faculty while visiting locations that bring historical lessons into sharp focus. The program balances structured learning with opportunities for creative exchange and relationship-building.
FASPE Clergy Fellows now serve diverse faith communities worldwide as clergy, chaplains, theologians, and educators. The shared experience creates lasting professional networks and deep personal bonds that continue throughout participants’ careers.
The program was initially developed through collaboration between professors, priests, rabbis, and scholars, with consultation from faculty at Georgetown University and Yale University, ensuring academic rigor and interfaith perspective.
The 2026 FASPE Fellowship application is now open through Sunday, January 4, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST. All applications must be submitted through FASPE’s online Submittable portal.
1. Online Application Form Basic information including contact details, educational background, and recommender information.
2. Resume/CV Complete educational and employment history, including honors, awards, and publications.
3. Official Transcripts Required from all institutions of higher education where significant time was spent. Electronic transcripts or scanned copies are acceptable (screenshots are not). First-year students may substitute a dean’s letter confirming enrollment and good standing.
4. Short Essay Responses Program-specific questions with indicated length requirements that explore your interest in professional ethics and leadership.
5. Two Letters of Recommendation Must come directly from academic faculty or professional references. Letters are due January 9, 2026. Recommenders should address:
For application questions, contact: Jake Holzman, Recruiting Coordinator (646) 866-7734 | jholzman@faspe-ethics.org
For emerging religious leaders seeking to deepen their understanding of professional ethics while building lasting interfaith relationships, FASPE offers a unique opportunity to engage with history’s most challenging questions while preparing for contemporary leadership challenges.
This intensive program represents more than academic study—it’s an invitation to join a community of religious leaders committed to ethical leadership and interfaith cooperation in addressing the moral challenges of our time.
FASPE is a charitable tax-exempt organization that brings together emerging professionals from various fields to examine ethical leadership through historical study and contemporary application.
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