Help Me Bridge Faith, Justice, and Hope: Supporting My Doctorate in Ministry Journey

Dear Friends, Family, and Community,

After 31 years as an educator, I'm taking a leap of faith—literally. I've been accepted to pursue a Doctorate in Ministry at the Pacific School of Religion, where I plan to explore something our world desperately needs: how different faith traditions can cultivate "active hope" in these challenging times.

Why This Matters Now

In classrooms, community meetings, and quiet moments of reflection, I've witnessed how people are searching for meaning and pathways forward. My calling is to study how Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Sufism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Indigenous faiths, and other spiritual practices can inspire not just personal transformation, but real action for social justice and community healing.

This isn't just academic curiosity—it's about building bridges. In a time when division seems to dominate our discourse, I want to research and share how diverse wisdom traditions offer practical tools for creating positive change in our communities.

The Financial Reality

PSR has graciously offered me a 30% scholarship, recognizing the value of this interfaith research. However, that still leaves a significant gap. The federal government is only offering loans—adding to the debt we already carry from my wife's law school education and my undergraduate studies. Now, as our son begins his journey at UC Berkeley, we're stretched to our limits.

My Commitment to You

This education isn't just for me—it's for the communities I serve and will continue to serve. I'm committed to:

-Sharing insights and resources with fellow educators and activists

-Developing practical frameworks that communities can use to build hope and drive change

-Creating scholarship and programs that bridge spiritual wisdom with social action

-Mentoring others who seek to integrate faith and justice work

How Your Support Helps

Every contribution, no matter the size, moves this vision forward. Your support will directly fund:

Tuition and fees not covered by my scholarship

Research materials and travel for interfaith dialogue and study

Living expenses, while I am not working, that allow me to focus on this transformative work

A Humble Ask

I don't ask for help lightly. But I believe this work—understanding how ancient wisdom can inspire modern hope and action—is exactly what our world needs right now. If you share this vision, I would be deeply grateful for any support you can offer.

Whether it's $5 or $500, your contribution is an investment in research that could help communities everywhere find pathways from despair to active, transformative hope.

With deep gratitude and determination,

Dr. César A. Cruz

"The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice." - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.