How did Catholic thought interact with and influence the political principles of the American Founding? Michael Knowles and distinguished Catholic scholars join Heritage to discuss this question and more as America approaches its 250th anniversary.
Click here to register virtually.
In-person attendance by invitation only. Contact Heritage Events to be considered for an invitation.

James Coleman / Getty Images
Thursday, March 19, 2026
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Fireside Chat
Featuring
Elizabeth Edwards Spalding, PhD
Senior Fellow, Pepperdine University, and Chairman, Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation
Associate Dean and Associate Professor of Government, Van Andel Graduate School of Government
Professor, Political Science, and Department Chair, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Description
How did Catholic thought interact with and influence the political principles of the American Founding? To what extent can the natural-law tradition, so central to Catholic teaching, be seen in the Founders’ understanding of liberty, human dignity, and self-government?
As America approaches its 250th anniversary, join The Heritage Foundation to ask Michael Knowles and a panel of distinguished Catholic scholars these key questions and to examine what this heritage means for faith and public life in the United States today.












