Rep. David Cicilline is a Democratic congressman from Rhode Island. He is the lead sponsor of the Equality Act, which aims to add sexual orientation- and gender identity-based protections to federal civil rights law.

Rabbi Barry Dolinger leads Congregation Beth Sholom in Providence, Rhode Island. He has expanded the reach of his faith community by launching a variety of small businesses, including a company that aims to increase access to kosher food.

Elan Babchuck is the founding director of Glean Network, which supports entrepreneurs seeking to create new ministries. He also serves as director of innovation for Clal, a think tank focused on the future of religion.

Sean O’Callaghan is an associate professor of religion at Salve Regina University in Newport, R.I. He studies new religious movements, religiously motivated violence and transhumanism.

Bill Patenaude is a special lecturer of theology at Providence College in Rhode Island. He is the chief author of Catholic Ecology, where he has speculated about what Pope Francis’ encyclical might contain. Contact via Chrissy Centazzo.

Prison Dharma Network, founded by Fleet Maull in Providence, R.I., is a national nonprofit, nonsectarian support network for Buddhist prisoners, volunteers and prison staff. Its mission is to provide evidence-based tools for rehabilitation, self-transformation and personal and professional development, particularly through mindfulness-based interventions. Contact through the website.

Daniel Jordan Smith is an associate professor of anthropology and chair of the anthropology department at Brown University in Providence, R.I. He is conducting a research project, “Pentecostalism and AIDS in Nigeria,” through a grant from the University of Southern California’s Pentecostal and Charismatic Research Initiative.

Dr. Andrew Bostom is associate professor of medicine at Brown University Medical School in Providence, R.I. He has written several books about Islam, including Sharia Versus Freedom: The Legacy of Islamic Totalitarianism.

The Jewish Voice & Herald is a Jewish publication serving Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. It is based in Providence, R.I. Nancy Kirsch is executive editor.