Both [sides] read the same Bible and pray to the same God, and each invokes his aid against the other...The prayers of both could not be answered. That of neither has been answered fully. The Almighty has his own purposes.

--Abraham Lincoln, Second Inaugural Address

In collaboration with the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Comission, The Faith & Politics Institute will facilitate a prelude retreat program to the National Opening Ceremonies of the Lincoln Bicentennial Celebration. Dr. Ron White, author of Lincoln's Greatest Speech: The Second Inaugural and professor at San Francisco Theological Seminary, will facilitate the retreat at the historic Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. Members of Congress, congressional spouses and other guests of the Lincoln Bicentennial Commission are expected to be in attendance.

Using Lincoln as a lens, participants will explore the ways in which faith has guided leaders in history and ask the question, “What should be the shape of faith in public life?” Lawmakers will look at Lincoln’s presidency as a model of leadership that bridged the world of faith and politics in guiding the nation toward community and transformation.

Dr. White will facilitate discussion on Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address and "Meditation on the Divine Will". He will also be available for discussion of other topics of interest throughout the National Opening Ceremonies.