John A. Coleman, a noted sociologist of religion, will discuss "Religion and Welfare: the Case for Catholic Charities USA" at 12:15 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 30, in the Gamble Room (Room 361) of Rush Rhees Library on the University of Rochester's River Campus.

Coleman will be analyzing the impact of Catholic Charities on the United States. A nation-wide provider of social assistance, Catholic Charities is a network of schools, hospitals and assistance programs. He will discuss how this organization impacts not only the Catholic Church in America, but American society as a whole.

Currently, Coleman holds the Cassassa Chair of Social Values in Theological Studies at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. Over the course of his academic career, he has authored more than 15 books and numerous articles.

Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact the Department of Religion and Classics at (585) 275-5378.