Conferences on Faith and Public Policy

2004
Immigrants, Religious Congregations, and the Civil Society

The sixth conference on "Faith and Public Policy" examined the role of contemporary American churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples in nurturing, educating, and encouraging immigrants' successful integration into American society. Although religious institutions have always played a critical role, the challenge is perhaps more daunting given the enormous diversity of our current immigrant population. This conference featured the results of an in-depth research study led by Davenport Institute fellow Gregory Rodriquez.

2002
Islam and the West

The fifth conference on "Faith and Public Policy" focused on the theological and cultural implications of events that were taking place in "Islam and the West." An emphasis was placed on obtaining a deeper understanding of Islam as a culture and religion and its perception of Western culture and the roots of conflict between the two.

2001
Visionary Leaders in Extraordinary Times

The fourth conference on "Faith and Public Policy" further articulates the school's philosophy to develop traditional academic concepts guided by spiritual and ethical principles. This conference brought three leaders in their own right to reflect on central figures in our nation's history whose political contributions have been fueled by their faith.

2000
Issues of Family, Character, and Moral Leadership

The third conference on "Faith and Public Policy" expanded on the research and themes from the first two conferences on decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court and provided updated information on "Charitable Choice" legislation. Discussions focused specifically on leadership, family, and moral character.

1999
Faith and Public Policy

The second conference on "Faith and Public Policy" expanded on topics from the first conference which focused on decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court and provided updated information on "Charitable Choice" legislation. This conference included an emphasis on the underlying assumptions and commitments of Pepperdine's program and the testimony of leaders whose faith has led them to influence public welfare through their private, individual initiatives.

1998
Religion and Public Policy

This national conference on "Religion and Public Policy" signaled the strategic intent of the new graduate program to expand and enrich the traditional academic concept of public policy. The more specific and tangible topics of the conference focused attention on decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court and provided updated information on current "Charitable Choice" legislation and hard data from research on the effectiveness of faith-based social programs. The conference highlighted the potential for an exciting new paradigm for the nation to use faith-based programs to alter the quality of life for the new century.