In 1977, Richard John Neuhaus and Peter L. Berger published To Empower People: From State to Civil Society. The book explored the importance of mediating institutions such as family, church, and community to a healthy civil society. It warned that neglecting such institutions could spell disaster for American society.
Join scholars from AEI, the Ethics & Public Policy Center, and other institutions as they discuss where Rev. Neuhaus and Dr. Berger’s project stands today. Experts will explore the legacy of To Empower People and how the authors’ insights can be applied to cultural challenges in contemporary American life.
Submit questions to [email protected] or on Twitter with #CivicRenewal.
Agenda
1:00 p.m.
Introduction:
Matthew Continetti, Director, Domestic Policy Studies, American Enterprise Institute
1:05 p.m.
Opening Remarks:
George Weigel, Distinguished Senior Fellow, Ethics & Public Policy Center
1:30 p.m.
Panel I: Mediating Institutions and Public Policy
Panelists:
Karlyn Bowman, Distinguished Senior Fellow Emeritus, American Enterprise Institute
Patrick T. Brown, Fellow, Ethics & Public Policy Center
Catherine Ruth Pakaluk, Director of Social Research, Busch School of Business, Catholic University of America
Scott Winship, Director, Center on Opportunity and Social Mobility, American Enterprise Institute
Moderator:
Matthew Continetti, Director, Domestic Policy Studies, American Enterprise Institute
2:45 p.m.
Break
3:00 p.m.
Panel II: Mediating Institutions and Culture
Panelists:
Mary Eberstadt, Panula Chair in Christian Culture, Catholic Information Center
Nathaniel Peters, Director, Morningside Institute
Scott Walter, President, Capital Research Center
Moderator:
Ryan T. Anderson, President, Ethics & Public Policy Center
4:15 p.m.
Closing Remarks:
Joseph Bottum, Director, Classics Institute, Dakota State University
4:45 p.m.
Adjournment
Related Content
The Rediscovery of Civil Society
Matthew Continetti | American Enterprise Institute | January 12, 2023
To Empower People
Richard John Neuhaus and Peter L. Berger | AEI Press | 1996