Past Events

Acton Institute Invites you to a Dinner Lecture and Book Signing with Rev. Robert Sirico President, Acton Institute Emcee Mr. J. Christopher Donahue President & CEO, Federated Investors, Inc. Please contact Kimberly at

How do we shepherd the flock in the search for economically healthy and socially just urban communities? What is the role of the local church in sustainable human development? Where do we find guidance for those facing unemployment and neighborhood displacement? Join us to explore how moral and economic clarity give direction in our mission to be true disciples, fostering effective charity, empowering our congregations and creating a context for urban flourishing.

This conference will introduce high school teachers and administrators to classic authors and key concepts in free market economics. The intention is to go beyond basic matters of supply and demand and efficiency concerns to consider the broader social and institutional ramifications of a free market system. Themes such as the religious roots of capitalism, protectionism, and financial crises will be explored in a mixture of lectures and Socratic discussion. This conference, co-sponsored by Liberty Fund, Inc., is part of the Liberty and Markets series.

Join Rev. Robert Sirico as he discusses his new book Defending the Free Market: The Moral Case for a Free Economy. If you are unable to join us, the event will be streamed live online. Contact Andrew Parks at [email protected] or (202) 546 - 4400 for more infomration.

Join us as Rev. Robert Sirico discusses his new book Defending the Free Market: The Moral Case for a Free Economy. There will be a book signing following the lecture and books will be available for purchase or order your copy now on Amazon. Contact Teresa at [email protected] or call (616) 454-3080 for more information. Schedule 7:30am Registration 8:00am Breakfast lecture and Q&A followed by book signing

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.

President Calvin Coolidge had strong views about self-government and federalism. Even for his time period he was often lampooned as old fashioned and "a throw back." He tapped into the ideas of America's Founding Principles and worked to elevate those ideas to the forefront of life. Coolidge popularized religious principles, thrift, limited government, and the rule of law. He also quipped shortly before his death, “I feel I no longer fit in with these times.” He was referring to the centralization of power in Washington.

Lecture Description: While free trade has been increasingly maligned, The Fair Trade movement has become increasingly popular over the last several years and many see it as a way to help people in the developing world and as a more just alternative to free trade--which many argue creates an unfair advantage that tends to harm the poor. This course will analyze and compare arguments for and against both fair trade and free trade and ask whether 'fair trade' is either more fair or more just than free trade.

Luncheon with Rev. Robert Sirico President, Acton Institute and special guest Mr. Joseph A. Morris CEO, Lincoln Legal Foundation 12pm lunch followed by an address by Rev. Sirico Questions: contact Charles Roelofs at 616.454.3080 or [email protected] For more about the Acton Institute in Chicago

Luncheon with Rev. Robert Sirico President, Acton Institute and special guest Dan Spencer Co-founder & Executive Director, Catholic Business Network 12pm lunch followed by an address by Rev. Sirico Questions: contact Kimberly Wybenga at 616.454.3080 or [email protected]