Toward a Free and Virtuous Society conferences are intensive seminars for future religious leaders. These conferences offer an introduction to the moral foundations of personal and economic liberty by combining an in-depth treatment of economic principles with principles of social justice and anthropology. They explore the nature of the human person and the created order from the perspectives of Scripture and natural law, examining concepts such as justice, equality, stewardship, and virtue. In addition, these seminars focus on applying the principles of economic liberty to complex issues such as poverty, welfare reform, and globalization.

This is the only seminar for future religious leaders that combines and in-depth treatment of economic concepts with concerns about social justice. The program is intellectually demanding; participants are required to do advanced reading and must be prepared to offer comments and defend their views during the question and answer sessions.

The first full day of the conference provides a philosophical orientation, tracing the concept of freedom from a natural rights base to its theoretical consequences. The second day builds on this philosophical foundation linking theory to contemporary topics, such as poverty, homelessness, moral welfare policy, equal access to economic opportunities, and global development.

Conference schedule and lecture titles

Seminarians and graduate students of theology, religion, or philosophy may apply. Graduate students pursuing a related degree but exhibiting a scholarly interest in religion, may also apply. Conference participants come from a variety of religious traditions, backgrounds, and countries, all share a commitment to religious values and a respect for the rights of individuals.

All students selected to attend will receive a full fellowship, which covers room and board expenses as well as conference fees. A limited number of travel scholarships are available to cover transportation costs to and from the conference. In addition, students will receive a selection of books from the Acton Book Shoppe.

The conferences are held throughout the world. Most conference sites are all-inclusive, meaning all lodging, meals, and lectures take place within the same complex. All of the sites have high quality accommodations and staff.

Purple Sage Ranch
Bandera (San Antonio), Texas

The Cliffs at Possum Kingdom Lake
Graford (Dallas/ Ft. Worth), Texas

Rancho Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano (Los Angeles), California

L.V. Eberhard Center
Grand Rapids, Michigan

Garrett Creek Ranch
Paradise (Dallas/ Ft. Worth), Texas

Trinity Conference Center
West Cornwall (Hartford), Connecticut

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