February 02, 2018

Neuhaus event posterFor more than four decades, Rev. Richard John Neuhaus was one of the most influential voices for religion in the public square. From his advocacy in the Civil Rights Movement, to his active defense of the unborn through the Pro-Life Movement, Father Neuhaus was a stalwart defender of a just republic built upon the dignity of the human person. A Lutheran who converted to Catholicism, Father Neuhaus was a leader in bringing Evangelicals and Catholics together around a range of issues, including theological, social and political.

A gifted writer and public intellectual, Father Neuhaus founded the Institute for Religion and Public Life, and its magazine, First Things. Following his death in 2009, his correspondences, publications, and photographs were collected and formed into the Richard John Neuhaus Papers, which were donated to the American Catholic History Research Center and University Archives at The Catholic University of America.

Following the completion of the cataloguing of his papers, the University is hosting a symposium celebrating the life and work of Father Neuhaus on Wednesday, March 7, 2018. “Catholic Witness in the Public Square: Celebrating the Life and Letters of Father Richard John Neuhaus” will include a series of speakers discussing  Father Neuhaus’ life, work, and faith as detailed within the papers.

The nearly 100 boxes of cataloged papers include his correspondence with prominent contemporaries, newspaper articles and other writings, photographs, and personal items.

Speakers at the conference will include:

  • Rusty Reno, editor at First Things
  • Gil Meilaender, professor of theology at Valparaiso University
  • Robert Wilken, author at First Things
  • David Novak, professor of religion and philosophy at the University of Toronto
  • Matthew Rose, director and senior fellow at Berkeley Institute
  • George Weigel, distinguished senior fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center and biographer of Saint John Paul II
  • Matthew Schmitz, senior editor and author at First Things
  • Rev. Matt Malone S.J., president and editor-in-chief of America Media
  • Kathryn Jean Lopez, editor-at-large, National Review Online

The event is open to the public and will take place from noon to 5 p.m. with a reception to follow in Father O’Connell Hall, Heritage Hall, 620 Michigan Ave. NE, Washington, D.C.

For more information or to request disability accommodations, email pecknold@cua.edu.   

MEDIA: To schedule an interview, view the Neuhaus Collection, or register to attend the conference, contact the Office of Communications at communications@cua.edu or 202-319-5600.