SPECIAL EVENTS

The Texas Freedom Network Education Fund, the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy and the Rice University Religion and Public Life Program are proud to co-sponsor Religion in the 2012 Elections Symposium, a free public symposium examining the role religion will play in the 2012 election cycle. At James A. Baker III Hall, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, Wednesday, January 25, 1 — 4:30 p.m.

Religion has become a fixture in American electoral politics. In fact, social issues have arguably been more prominent in the early 2012 presidential campaign than economic concerns. While such clashes typically give off tremendous heat but shed little light, we believe these issues are too important to ignore — particularly given the stakes of the 2012 elections.

The half-day symposium will feature presentations from some of the leading researchers and national commentators on the nexus of religion and politics. Participants can choose from a variety of topical sessions to explore the issues they care about most.

Schedule

12:30 p.m. Registration opens

1:00 p.m. Headlining panel, “Religion in the 2012 Elections”
The main panel will feature a moderated conversation with three of the nation’s leading experts on the role religion plays in modern American electoral politics. This panel will focus particularly on the various ways religious issues and candidates’ beliefs affect the 2012 Presidential race.

2:30 p.m. Breakout I
3:30 p.m. Breakout II
4:30 p.m. Program concludes

After the symposium, continue the conversation at An Evening with Pulitzer Prize-Winning Columnist Leonard Pitts, sponsored by the Texas Freedom Network Education Fund. The event begins at 7 p.m. at Congregation Emanu El, located next door to the Rice campus.