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1. What is the conference about?
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.
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2. How is the conference organized?
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
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3. Who attends "Toward a Free and Virtuous Society"
conferences?
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.
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4. How much does the conference cost?
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.
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5. Where are the conferences held?
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. See the list
below for more information:
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
 Schools
Represented by Program Participants
This
United States map provides a list of links to all of the schools from
whom Acton has drawn program participants. Through conferences, lectures,
and seminars, the Acton Institute has developed intellectual relationships
with future religious leaders from multiple colleges, seminaries, and
universities
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On-line Application
QUESTIONS?
Contact Kara Eagle at (616)454-3080 or keagle@acton.org
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