Past Events

This conference will aim at obtaining greater understanding of the claims for individual and political liberty contained in the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration of Independence has come to be seen as a text that is central not only to our political order, but to understanding ourselves as a people. One argument, long advanced, contends that the Constitution can only be understood in light of the animating principles of equality as enunciated in the Declaration of Independence.

Becoming Europe: Economic Decline, Culture, and How America Can Avoid a European Future Please join Dr. Samuel Gregg, Acton's Director of Research as he discusses his new book Becoming Europe: Economic Decline, Culture, and How America Can Avoid a European Future.

Acton University is a unique, four-day exploration of the intellectual foundations of a free society. Guided by a distinguished, international faculty, Acton University is an opportunity to deepen your knowledge and integrate rigorous philosophy, Christian theology and sound economics. At Acton University, you will: Build your own curriculum. Choose from more than seventy courses ranging from the theological and philosophical, to the policy-oriented and practical.

"Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him to fish and you feed him for life!" What can Orthodox Christians do to re–think how we respond to the issues of poverty, and how will we contribute positive solutions to address the needs of the poor? This conference is a collaborative effort with the Acton Institute, and is offered as a tribute to Dn. John Zarras, a 2006 SVOTS graduate who earned his M.Div. degree over a period of several years as a late–vocations student.

Luncheon with Rev. Robert Sirico President, Acton Institute 12pm lunch followed by an address by Rev. Sirico Questions: contact Charles Roelofs at 616.454.3080 or croelofs@acton.org For more about the Acton Institute in Chicago contact Jim Healy at 630.848.2001 or jhealy@acton.org

PLEASE NOTE UPDATE: Due to technical difficulties with our conference space, the venue for this event has been updated to St. Cecilia Music Center. We apologize for any inconvenience. Please join us for a Law Day Celebration Rev. Robert Sirico, President of the Acton Institute, will speak on

Event Blog

Toward a Free and Virtuous Society conferences are intensive seminars for future religious leaders.

The purpose of this conference is to explore the philosophical foundations of limited government by engaging ancient, medieval, and modern thinkers on the subject. Participants will focus on the contributions made by these enduring sources of political and social thought to an understanding of the necessity of limited government. A secondary aspect of the conference will be to introduce participants to the criticisms lodged against the regulatory apparatus of the modern state by having them review basic readings on the principle of subsidiarity and public choice economics.

Series Description Based on the speaker's book, Eden’s Bridge: The Marketplace in Creation and Mission, and the purpose of this lecture series is to broaden and deepen the current theological discussion surrounding the role of the marketplace in the Kingdom of God. Another facet of the discussions will be the redemptive process of God’s mission ( missio Dei) in the world. We hope to move toward empowering and actualizing the whole Church for Kingdom advancement through marketplace mechanisms.