Fred Stella on Hinduism in America

Hinduism is one of the major world religions, one with a presence in America, but about which Christians know very little. In this podcast Fred Stella joins us for a conversation about Hinduism in America.

Fred Stella is a product of 16 years in the Catholic education system, including his time at the University of Detroit, where he obtained his degree in Communications & Mass Media. His interest in Hinduism began at age 15 when studying comparative religions. By the time he was in his mid-30s he formally embraced the Dharma. Over the years Fred has spent time expanding his knowledge with study & practice in various ashrams & temples in the US and India. In 2009 The West Michigan Hindu Temple ordained him as Pracharak or “Outreach Minister.” Fred is often a featured speaker at international conferences, and has completed extensive lecture tours in India and Guyana.

One of Fred’s passions is interfaith dialogue and cooperation. For the past 23 years he has served as President of the Michigan organization, Interfaith Dialogue Association, an affiliate of the Kaufman Interfaith Institute. In this capacity he, among other things, hosts the program, Common Threads, which airs over local Michigan NPR affiliate, WGVU-FM. He is also a weekly contributor to the Grand Rapids Press column, “Ethics and Religion Talk,” where he and fellow clerics answer questions on theology, morality and personal issues.

In 2012 Fred was presented with his city's "Champion of Diversity Award" for his work in interfaith relations. Finally, Fred sits on the National Leadership Council of the Hindu American Foundation in Washington DC. For more on Hinduism, see HAF’s “Hinduism 101.”  

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