PROGRAMS

Stemming from our mission and vision, The Faith & Politics Institute's programs from 2009 through 2011 are tied to three focal points:

I. Leading from Within: Reflective leadership is effective leadership
The Faith & Politics Institute enhances the quality and effectiveness of political leadership by providing opportunities for members of Congress and congressional staff to strengthen the inner dimension of leadership through participation in spiritually grounded group dialogue and reflection. more

II. Leading Across the Divides: Race, religion and partisanship
The Faith & Politics Institute contributes to effective government by bringing members of Congress and congressional staff together in a spirit of reconciliation across lines of race, religion and political party for the purpose of working together in service of our nation and the world. more

III. Leading in service: Engaging the public
The Faith & Politics Institute strengthens democracy by bringing members of Congress and the public they serve together across differences of race, religion and political party in settings that promote understanding through dialogue and reflection. more

ACTIVITIES

Below is a list, though not exhaustive, of the kinds of activities that are included under each of the three programatic areas.  For a chronoligical list of upcoming and past activities and events, click here.

Reflection Groups | more
The Faith & Politics Institute sponsors weekly reflection groups designed to provide occasions for quiet reflection, spiritual community, and contemplative dialogue. These group meetings allow individuals to reflect alongside one another, learn from each other, support one another and engage in meaningful conversation about values and beliefs in connection with their roles as Washington professionals.

Retreats | more
The Faith & Politics Institute sponsors a variety of interactive retreats and work projects away from the fast-paced and charged atmosphere of Washington, D.C. These retreats are designed to help participants connect their role with their greater calling as human beings.

Experiential Pilgrimages | more
The Faith & Politics Institute also leads periodic pilgrimages, in which bi-partisan delegations of Congressional Members from both houses, staff members and guests travel together and learn about a particular period of our nation's history such as the Civil Rights Movement and the lessons of that period for our lives today. 

Public Forums | more
The Capitol Forum Series consists of a variety of lectures by well-known speakers whose lives reflect moral courage in the political arena. The speakers come from very diverse political and religious backgrounds and have life experience in areas that fuse spiritual values with politics.

Lewis-Houghton Leadership Awards | more
The Lewis-Houghton Leadership Award recognizes leaders who have exhibited qualities of conscience, courage and compassion in their roles as public servants.  The namesakes of the award, the Honorable John Lewis (D-Ga.) and the Honorable Amo Houghton (R-N.Y.), served as co-chairs of The Faith & Politics Institute from 1997 to 2005.

United States-South Africa Faith and Politics Initiative | more
In May 2003, The Faith & Politics Institute provided program conceptualization, planning, and coordination for the Congressional visit to South Africa, led by Reps. Houghton and Lewis. The visit allowed Members of Congress and other in the delegation to explore links, leadership and challenges, and provided prospects for serious ongoing exchanges.

St. Joseph's Day Breakfast
Since 1997, The Faith & Politics Institute has been celebrating St. Joseph's Day with an annual breakfast, speech, and awards presentation. St. Joseph is the patron saint of the worker, and the Institute's annual St. Joseph's Day breakfast was founded to raise awareness of the spiritual and moral issues that affect economic life in America. Friends of the Institute and hosts join together in recognizing national and grassroots labor leaders, business leaders, and public sector representatives who work to promote fairness and dignity in the workplace.

The Congressional Reception
Every other year, The Faith & Politics Institute hosts a Congressional Reception to acknowledge and thank those who have so generously supported its programs that year. The Congressional Reception is also a time for participants in The Faith & Politics Institute's programs to reunite, further develop the community they have built, and learn more about the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. Each year, the reception is held in an exciting venue in Washington, D.C. and draws a host of Congressional members, Congressional staff members, corporate sponsor representatives, local community members and others that have been touched by the Institute's work.