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‘Oakland Faith Project’ Documents a Shifting Religious Landscape

We’ll talk about “de-churching” in the Bay Area and the future of organized religion.
Parishioners kneel and raise candles as clergy lead a blessing outside St. Jarlath’s Church in Oakland during a vigil for immigrant families on Oct. 28, 2025. (Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)

Airdate: Tuesday, September 13, 2026 at 9 AM

Oakland is home to dozens of houses of worship, and the “Oakland Faith Project,” aims to document these spaces and their leaders at a time when many are turning away from religion. Photographer and documentarian Nicolò Sertorio’s website includes stark black and white photography and interviews with religious leaders who represent various walks of life, identity and beliefs. We’ll talk with Sertorio, project partners and some of Oakland’s religious leaders about “de-churching” in the Bay Area and the future of organized religion. 
Guests:

Nicolò Sertorio, founder, artist and photographer, Oakland Faith Project

James Campbell, Edgar E Robinson professor in United States History, Stanford University; partner, Oakland Faith Project

Jacqueline Mates-Muchin, senior rabbi, Temple Sinai

Sundiata Rashid, imam, Lighthouse Mosque; Muslim Chaplain, University of San Francisco

Michael Wallace, pastor, Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church

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