Name: Plenary Panel (Open to Public) | "Forming Christians for Public Life: Practices of Formation in a Time of Polarization"
Start: 2026-06-13T11:00:00-0400
End: 2026-06-13T12:15:00-0400

Welcome, Democracy Scholars! We are delighted to invite you to American Independence and Identity at 250: Examining Democracy in the United States and Globally. This conference will be hosted at Gordon College on Thursday, June 11-Saturday, June 13, with events in Ken Olsen Science Center, Chase Hall, and Lane Student Center. Join for an optional tour of revolutionary sites in Boston, MA on Sunday, June 14.

Check out the schedule below and get excited for a phenomenal lineup of panel discussions, keynote addresses, and more!

Plenary Panel (Open to Public) | "Forming Christians for Public Life: Practices of Formation in a Time of Polarization"

Saturday June 13, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm EDT

Chairs' Room (Ken Olsen Science Center)

This panel explores the importance of Christian formation in a time of anxiety about democracy, deep polarization, and institutional distrust. The conversation will feature Stephanie Summers of the Center for Public Justice, Michael Wear of the Center for Christianity and Public Life, and Susan Gates of Faith and Law reflecting on the practices, virtues, and communities needed to sustain faithful public leadership today. Panelists will discuss the formative challenges facing Christians in public life and the kinds of habits, relationships, and institutional support that help cultivate leaders capable of principled, constructive civic engagement across difference.
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Stephanie Summers (Center for Public Justice)
Michael Wear (Center for Christianity and Public Life)
Susan Gates (Faith and Law)

Speakers

Stephanie Summers

CEO, Center for Public Justice

CEO, Center for Public Justice. Co-author with Michael Gerson and Katie Thompson, Unleashing Opportunity: Why Escaping Poverty Requires a Shared Vision of Justice. Recipient, Duke Divinity Reflective Leadership Award. Former Vice President, Coalition for Christian Outreach... Read More →

Michael Wear

CEO, Center for Christianity and Public Life

CEO, Center for Christianity and Public Life. Former Deputy Director, President Obama’s White House Office for Faith-Based Initiatives. Author, The Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public Life, and Reclaiming Hope: Lessons Learned in the Obama W... Read More →

Susan Gates

Executive Director, Faith and Law

Executive Director, Faith and Law. Former budget examiner, Office of Management and Budget. Former VP of public policy, Freddie Mac. Author, Days of Slaughter: Inside the Fall of Freddie Mac and Why It Could Happen Again. Adjunct Professor, Virginia Tech. Small business owner... Read More →

Saturday June 13, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm EDT
Chairs' Room (Ken Olsen Science Center)

Plenary Events

Democracy Conference Schedule

Stephanie Summers

Michael Wear

Susan Gates

Get help with the event

Democracy Conference Schedule

Stephanie Summers

Michael Wear

Susan Gates

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