Faith and Progressive Policy Events
When Consciences Collide
April 28, 2009, 12:00pm – 1:30pm
The current debate over the scope of conscience regulations in health care raises important questions for all of us. How broad should conscience refusal rules be for health care providers who object to providing medical treatment on religious or moral grounds? Should conscience refusal rules apply to institutions as well as individuals? What are the consequences of refusal rules for patients—and their conscience? How do we resolve conflicting issues of conscience in a diverse democracy?
Please join us for a lively and enlightening conversation on this important issue.
Evolution, Transcendence, and the Nature of Faith
February 11, 2009, 12:30pm – 2:00pm
Darwin's radical deduction that random mutation and natural selection can explain all the diversity of life on Earth shook longstanding beliefs that humans are inherently superior creatures, uniquely capable of being moral, already fully evolved, and made in the image of a perfect creator.
Since then, waves of research have expanded and strengthened Darwin's seminal observations, prompting a century-and-a-half of reflection and reassessment about the place of humankind in the universe, the relationship between humans and a divine creator, and the nature of faith itself.
Join our distinguished panelists for a conversation about the ways evolutionary theory has revolutionized our understanding of the struggle between personal freedom and the common good, and to explore the role of religious thought as humankind gradually gains the capacity to direct its own evolution.
Values and Voters
February 9, 2009, 12:00pm – 1:00pm
In 1960, John F. Kennedy was elected the first Catholic president of the United States. How did Kennedy approach religion--and what can we learn from his campaign about the role of religion in politics today? Are there parallels between Kennedy's approach to religion and Obama's? What role did Catholic and evangelical voters play in both elections? How has the politics of religion changed since 1960? Would Kennedy's response to his religious critics suffice today? Join E.J. Dionne and Shaun Casey for an illuminating and provocative discussion of Casey's new book, The Making of a Catholic President: Kennedy vs. Nixon 1960.
Red Faith/Blue Faith? Religion in the 2008 Election and Beyond
November 7, 2008, 1:00pm – 2:30pm
From Jeremiah Wright and anti-Muslim rhetoric to interfaith alliances and Compassion Forums, religion has been a front-burner issue during much of the 2008 presidential campaign. It has been used both as a divisive weapon and as a force that unites and inspires. Since 2004, the face of religion has changed dramatically across the country. The values debate is broader, the religious right is weaker, and a diversity of faith communities has gained visibility and strength.
What does the 2008 election tell us about the hopes and concerns of the country? What issues do we care about most? What role did faith communities play in the election, and what should they be doing in the days ahead? Please join our distinguished panel of experts for a provocative, enlightening conversation on religion and politics in 2008 and beyond.
Arts, Inc.
July 15, 2008, 12:00pm – 1:00pm
In this impassioned and persuasive book, Bill Ivey, the former chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, assesses the current state of the arts in America and finds cause for alarm. Even as he celebrates our ever-emerging culture and the way it enriches our lives here at home while spreading the dream of democracy around the world, he points to a looming crisis. The expanding footprint of copyright, an unconstrained arts industry marketplace, and a government unwilling to engage culture as a serious arena for public policy have come together to undermine art, artistry, and cultural heritage-the expressive life of America. Ivey blends personal and professional memoir and policy analysis -including a proposal for a new central authority, a Department of Cultural Affairs, dedicated to reclaiming a coordinated vision for art, culture, and expression in American life. Please join the Center for American Progress for this thought-provoking discussion as we explore the importance of art and preserving a cultural heritage for all Americans.
Debating the Divine: Religion in 21st Century American Democracy
June 24, 2008, 12:30pm – 2:00pm
When is religious engagement in public policy a healthy aspect of democracy and when does it threaten the separation of church and state? Is there too much "God talk" in the public square? How should we incorporate diverse religious identities into our common civic life?
Contrasting views about the role of religion in American democracy have been heating up in recent years. Shedding light on the debate is a new collection of essays, Debating the Divine: Religion in 21st Century American Democracy. Its authors—leading thinkers and scholars—offer provocative, thoughtful views on the role of faith in public life within a diverse society. They tackle honest disagreements and find common ground.
Please join several of the book's authors for a lively discussion of religion in our democracy, moderated by E.J. Dionne.
From the Pulpit to the Polls: The Role of Religion in Politics
April 24, 2008, 12:30pm – 2:00pm
Is the Religious Right dead? Has the left closed the "God gap?” What religious voices are speaking out on political issues—and how effective are they? What role should religion play in politics and presidential campaigns?
In a campaign season where two of the most significant speeches by presidential candidates have been about religion—Republican Mitt Romney speaking about being a Mormon and Democrat Barack Obama speaking about his former pastor—it is important to examine the power and influence of religion in politics.
E.J. Dionne, Amy Sullivan, and Jim Wallis are expert analysts of religion in public life. Each has a new book examining the changing religious and political landscape in our nation today. Their insights, inside stories, and keen analysis offer new and hopeful ways of thinking about religion and public life in the months and years ahead.
Copies of all three books will be available for purchase.
Pursuing the Global Common Good
October 15, 2007, 9:30am – 11:00am
When is war justified? Is the use of torture ever acceptable? Do we have a moral responsibility to intervene against atrocities thousands of miles away? These are some of the pressing issues addressed in a new book by policy experts and faith leaders, published by the Center for American Progress. Pursuing the Global Common Good argues that U.S. foreign policy must go beyond preconceived notions of national self-interest and security by including our ethical obligations to the global community. Whether arguing against unjust wars or for our responsibility to lead against global warming, these essays dispel the faulty view that our national interests conflict with our ethical obligations. To the contrary, they make a strong and persuasive case that we can do better by doing good because our nation's self-interest and its moral responsibilities are entwined.The Politics of Jesus: A Conversation with Dr. Obery Hendricks
April 5, 2007, 12:30pm – 2:00pm
Religion increasingly inhabits the political sphere in our country and is claimed as a motivating source by conservative and liberal leaders alike. Many of these leaders are Christian and profess that their policies follow the teachings of Jesus. And yet their policies are often diametrically opposed, promoting very different views of morality and how one should live.
Please join the Center for American Progress for a provocative conversation that explores these issues with one of our country’s leading public theologians.
Comprehensive Immigration Reform
March 12, 2007, 9:00am – 10:30am
One year after historic marches put a human face on the issue of immigration reform, our country’s immigration system remains fundamentally broken. Faith communities across the country are on the front lines in dealing with the daily consequences of an unjust system that causes undue suffering and hardship to the people they serve. Because of their experience and moral commitment, many faith communities are working for comprehensive immigration reform. As the issue returns to the forefront of the congressional agenda, the Center for American Progress has gathered faith leaders from diverse communities to discuss their work and the moral imperative that fuels their mission. Together, they are committed to a just and comprehensive solution to immigration reform.
The REAL Values Voter
November 20, 2006, 12:30pm – 2:00pm
From immigration, stem cells, and corruption to paychecks and war, the issues voters cared about in the midterm election reflect deeply held values far beyond those promoted by right-wing conservatives. On November 7, voters sent a strong message for change in domestic and international policies and for government that is ethical and accountable.
What do the midterm elections tell us about the concerns and hopes of the country? Do we remain a deeply divided, polarized nation? What role did faith communities play? Please join our distinguished panel of experts for a provocative, enlightening conversation on 2006 and beyond.
Working for Justice and the Common Good
November 2, 2006, 9:00am – 10:30am
As the first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church, Gene Robinson has faced both hostile opposition and support from both religious and secular communities. His election in 2003 triggered a struggle within the worldwide Anglican church over human rights for gay men and lesbians—a struggle that reflects tensions and rifts within the larger society today.
Common Good Conference
October 18, 2006, 8:15am – 12:00pm
Visit the main conference web page.
President Bill Clinton and a panel of experts convened October 5 at Georgetown University to discuss the “common good,” a progressive vision for America and the world championed by the Center for American Progress and other allies.
The common good, as both a philosophical ideal and approach to governing, has a rich history in the civic strands of American thought and in the values and principles of the U.S. Constitution. It is also a powerful theme in the social teachings of many major faith traditions. In both the civic and faith realms, a commitment to the common good means pursuing policies and community actions that benefit all individuals and balance self-interest with the needs of the entire society. It recognizes that government -- while not the only tool -- is essential for helping people pursue their dreams, and that the business, labor, faith and NGO communities play a critical role as well.
The common good approach to politics represents a clear break with the radical individualism, corruption and greed that define contemporary American life. It marks the end of a politics that leaves people to rise and fall on their own.
A Moral Purpose
May 10, 2006
In February, 55 Catholic Democratic Members of Congress signed a "Statement of Principles," emphasizing their commitment to their faith and confirming their belief that government has "moral purpose." In this statement, they affirm the Church's role in providing moral leadership but also point to the "primacy of conscience" as a guiding force in making legislative decisions.
Renewing the Civic Covenant
November 3, 2005, 6:30pm – 8:00pm
In cities and towns across America, the Center for American Progress is engaging the public in conversations on religion and policy, giving voice to those whose concerns and hopes have been lost in highly polarized debates. Our series of national conversations began in Denver last spring and continued in Kansas City and San Francisco during the summer and fall. In Grand Rapids, our conversation will focus on economic and job issues. Given the significant loss of manufacturing jobs in the Grand Rapids area, we will talk about the effects of economic stress on individuals, their families and the community--and what needs to be done to help the economy recover. What are the roles and responsibilities of individuals, civic groups, churches, employers, educators and government? What are our obligations to each other?
Religion, State, and Charity
October 27, 2005, 12:00am – 6:30pm
In cities and towns across America, the Center for American Progress is engaging the public in conversations on religion and policy, giving voice to those whose concerns and hopes have been lost in highly polarized debates. Our series of national conversations began in Denver last spring and continued in Kansas City this summer. In San Francisco, our conversation will address what happens when states must carry out their responsibilities with shrinking budgets while charities and religious organizations strive to fill the gaps in service created by budget cuts. What are the state's most important obligations, in times of emergency and under normal circumstances? What are the consequences -- especially for children and families -- if the state does not fulfill its duties? How will tax cuts and initiatives like the Live Within Our Means Act impact the institutions that serve our communities and the communities themselves?
The Harmony of Faith and Science
June 22, 2005
In cities and towns across America, the Center for American Progress is engaging the public in conversations on religion and policy, giving voice to those whose hopes and concerns have been lost in highly polarized debates. Our series of national conversations began in Denver and will continue throughout the year. In Kansas City, our conversation will focus on science and faith. How can these systems of inquiry and belief enhance each other and strengthen our lives? How can we articulate a vision that embraces both? Our panelists will discuss evolution and intelligent design, stem cell research, as well as the truths that spring from both science and religion. Please join our panel of experts and leaders in a provocative, lively conversation.
Budgets and Morals
March 9, 2005
In cities and towns across America, the Center for American Progress will engage the public in a conversation about religious issues and give voice to people of faith whose hopes and concerns have been lost in highly polarized debates. Faith and Progressive Policy: A National Conversation will begin in Denver, Colorado, where a panel of religious and policy leaders will address the question, Morals and Budgets: What Does it Mean to Love Thy Neighbor? Members of the panel and the audience will discuss the budget as a moral document that reflects our values regarding poverty, health care, education and other issues vital to the community. The conversation will address national issues; state and local issues important to Coloradans, including the Tax-Payer Bill of Rights; and the faith and values imperatives that affect policy decisions. Please join our panel of national and local leaders in a provocative, lively conversation.
Health Care, the Budget, and Morality
January 25, 2005
Our nation faces a growing uninsurance crisis and shares in the global struggle against diseases such as AIDS. The federal budget, as the most tangible embodiment of our nation's priorities and values, should reflect our commitment to overcoming these challenges. Yet the president and Congressional leaders have indicated that this year's budget is likely to retreat from that commitment by imposing dramatic cuts that provide a safety net for vulnerable Americans and by inadequately funding vitally necessary global health efforts.
Civil Rights and the Church
June 29, 2004
David Chappell, author of A Stone of Hope, will examine the different perspectives northern liberals and southern activists rooted in black churches had toward the civil rights movement.