Bringing leaders together for the good of our nation.
Our History
History of the Faith & Politics Institute.
The Faith & Politics Institute is an agent for change. We do more than create space, time and attention for dialogue: we take strategic steps to promote leadership that will have a positive impact on the tone and effectiveness of Congress, and through the Congress, the nation.
FPI’s Founders
Rev. Doug Tanner
Rev. Doug Tanner is a United Methodist minister who came of age in his native North Carolina during the civil rights movement. In the early 1990s, Rev. Tanner’s calling intersects race and history as well as religion and politics, complemented by an ardent desire to “help people in politics hang onto a piece of their souls.”
Rev. Tanner’s visionary leadership as the inaugural President and Chief Executive Officer of the Faith and Politics Institute is the north star for influencing the spiritual life of individuals who were called to govern the United States of America by setting policy and representing the interests of all American people.
After six years of operations, Rev. Tanner sought to broaden the Institute’s scope and bipartisanship efforts by recruiting Congressman John Lewis and Congressman Amo Houghton to Co-Chair the board of directors.
FPI’s Founders
Congressman John R. Lewis and Congressman Amory “Amo” Houghton, Jr.
John Lewis, a former Freedom Rider and Civil Rights activist, often referred to as the preaching politician, was an ordained Baptist minister and Democrat from rural Alabama, who represented the people of Georgia. Lewis served as the FPI Board Co-Chair (1998-2006) and became Chair Emeritus and Honorary co-host of the Institute’s annual Congressional pilgrimages. He led his final FPI pilgrimage in March 2020 just months before his passing, marching across the Edmund Pettus Bridge one last time.
Amo Houghton, from one of the wealthiest families in the country, who was the CEO of Corning and an influential Republican from upstate New York, was revered for his ability to work amicably across both party lines in Congress.
He was known in both business and Congress as an affable, self-deprecating leader with an unwavering sense of conscience and integrity. Amo’s vision was to foster greater cooperation and civility in a time where Congress was becoming increasingly polarized. He strived to live out his values in both his personal life and his political service, leaving a legacy of bipartisanship and public service.
Rep. Lewis and Rep. Amo Houghton maintained a deep and abiding friendship. The two men—good friends from the very beginning of their congressional careers—worked across the aisle not only on legislation, but on moral leadership. In addition to Co-Chairing the board of the Faith & Politics institute, They also worked tirelessly together to gain their colleagues’ support in awarding Nelson Mandela a Congressional Gold Medal before he became the international beacon of human rights he today represents.
“The camaraderie and discussions with people from different backgrounds on this trip has been truly inspirational. I look forward to joining future pilgrimages.”
Rep. Jay Obernalte
— (R-CA)
“It’s important, in this day and age of division and discord, that we find unity around the common purpose of promoting justice and equality for all Americans. That’s what Faith & Politics does.”
Rep. Terri Sewell
— (D-AL)
“My most significant takeaway from this pilgrimage is the power of individual people who have come together to create amazing change. It doesn’t take superheroes.”
JP Neri
— (Cohort 4 JRL Scholar)
“When I go home I’m going to take away a lot of important experiences, I’ve been challenged to think about how I move forward in my life and in the workplace as a leader.”
Veronica Mak
— (Cohort 3 JRL Leader)
“I’ve been honored to be a part of the community here this weekend, to learn, to grow, to challenge myself and be challenged by others.”
Chan Park
— (Microsoft)
“The pilgrimage had a profound impact on me and my family. If you have an opportunity to participate I would highly recommend it.”
Jeff Jones
— (H&R Block)
Leave Your Legacy
“Every generation leaves behind a legacy. What legacy do you want to leave behind?”
— John Lewis