Keston Center
for Religion, Politics, and Society
In Memoriam

The Reverend Canon Dr. Michael Bourdeaux passed away peacefully in the early hours of Monday, March 29, 2021, during Holy Week. An Anglican priest, he founded Keston College in 1969 and dedicated his life to God's call to be a "voice for the voiceless" of those enduring religious persecution.

Tributes to Michael Bourdeaux
Our Mission
To promote research and encourage the study of religion in communist, post-communist, and other totalitarian societies.

As part of the Baylor University Libraries' Special Collections, the Keston Center for Religion, Politics and Society works with
the Keston Institute in Oxford, United Kingdom, in carrying out its mission and is committed to
the preservation and utilization of the library and archive.

Learn More About Our Mission
Where in the World?
Where in the World?
The Keston Center for Religion, Politics, and Society proudly presented "Where in the World?" a panel presentation by Keston Center researchers from around the globe. During this Zoom-hosted session, ten researchers provided brief updates on their work or on the state of religion, politics, and society in a region that they study. These presentations were followed by a live Zoom-hosted Q&A.
Women's World Day of Prayer
Women's World Day of Prayer
Join women across the region and around the globe at 10:15 am (CST) on Friday, February 12, for a virtual World Day of Prayer observance co-sponsored by the Keston Center, Waco Regional Baptist Network, and Truett Seminary. The event will feature guest speakers Patty Lane, Elise Edwards, and Rebecca Poe Hays, along with music and prayers by women from throughout the world, including Margaret Egbe Harvey, Jennifer Hillman, Trena Wilkerson, Tamiko Jones, Joy Lee, Elia Sipan, and Sheryl Gudeman with music coordinated by Lois Ferguson and Andy Muskrat. For more information visit https://www.baylor.edu/truett/life Zoom credentials will be posted on Feb. 11 or complete the brief online form to receive the link.
2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Keep up with the latest on Baylor's response to COVID-19.
Pictures, Portraits & Snapshots: Glimpses into Baylor's Special Libraries
Pictures, Portraits & Snapshots: Glimpses into Baylor's Special Libraries
A virtual "speed panel" and Q&A that featured items from Keston and other special collections at Baylor!
Voice of the Voiceless: Keston Center's 50th Anniversary Commemoration
Voice of the Voiceless: Keston Center's 50th Anniversary Commemoration
A commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Keston Institute and launch of a volume to honor the occasion, "Voices of the Voiceless," edited by Julie deGraffenried and Zoe Knox. This event featured 9 speed panel presentations, and a book signing and reception for the book.
The Keston Center for Religion, Politics, and Society Diplomatic Forum
The Keston Center for Religion, Politics, and Society Diplomatic Forum
The Keston Center for Religion, Politics, and Society, in partnership with the McBride Center for International Business, presented a Diplomatic Forum as part of the 2019 Global Business Forum. The Forum featured three highly-respected leaders with broad international experience in diplomacy: Joanne Held Cummings, Paul Roush, and Roland H. Smith.
Celebrating 100 Years of Czech Independence
Celebrating 100 Years of Czech Independence
The Keston Center hosted a series of events in October 2018 commemorating the centennial of Czechoslovak independence.
The Keston Center Collection
Research Opportunities

The Keston Center for Religion, Politics, and Society at Baylor University invites students and scholars from all over the world to conduct research in the Keston Archive and Library. Faculty and graduate teaching assistants who have used the Center's library and archives in their teaching in the past but wish to explore additional possibilities are also encouraged to apply.

Keston Scholars
Receive a scholarship to cover expenses, in part or in full, including travel costs, in order to conduct research in the Keston Archive and Library.
About Keston Scholars
Visiting Researchers and Scholars
Spend anywhere from several hours to a maximum of four weeks in the Keston Center where they have access to the Keston Archive and Library, including the samizdat collection, research files, and photo archive.
About Visiting Researchers and Scholars
Library Teaching Fellows
Baylor faculty and graduate students can apply for a summer fellowship to enhance their pedagogy with Keston resources.
About Library Teaching Fellows
Summer Interns
Baylor students with an undergraduate degree or working on a master's degree in museum studies, history, religion, Russian, Slavic and East European Studies, or a related field are invited to apply for a summer internship.
About Summer Interns