Fairbanks Symposium Celebrates 10 Years by Examining Religion, Indianapolis’ Civic Leadership and the “God Gap”
The University of Indianapolis and Indiana Humanities invite everyone to attend the 2025 Richard M. Fairbanks Symposium on April 9 to learn more about how religion and civic leadership have intersected in Central Indiana in the past, how current civic leaders are responding as politics become increasingly polarized along religious lines and what the future holds. This year’s theme is “Civic Spirit: Religion and Leadership in Indianapolis.”
This is the 10th edition of this annual event. It is free and open to the public. It is being held at the Schwitzer Student Center on the UIndy campus.
“It’s a privilege to support conversations that enhance our understanding of the role of religion in civic life,” said Keira Amstutz, president and CEO of Indiana Humanities. “Anyone interested in learning from faith and civic leaders in Indianapolis will benefit from this opportunity.”
The Fairbanks Symposium consists of two panels, a keynote conversation as well as lunch. The first panel will examine the historic role that religious communities have played in the formation of Indiana’s civic fabric. The second panel will feature faith and civic leaders and their work with the local community. The keynote conversation will feature David Campbell, a national expert and founding director of the Rooney Center for the Study of American Democracy at the University of Notre Dame, and Greg Shufeldt, professor of political science at the University of Indianapolis. Campbell and Shufeldt will center their discussion on how the “God Gap” shapes the current landscape of American politics.
“I am particularly intrigued about this year’s topic because it is important not only for understanding the social fabric of the greater metropolitan area, but also because it so clearly ties to some of the most important questions that citizens are asking about how they can make a difference,” said Ted Frantz, University of Indianapolis History department chair, who help organizes the event. “As we ask questions of leaders about the roles that faith can and should play in enriching Indianapolis, we also hope to encourage students, alumni, and citizens to reflect on their own understanding of what their beliefs compel them to do.”
WHAT: Richard M. Fairbanks Symposium—Civic Spirit: Religion and Leadership in Indianapolis
WHEN: Wednesday, April 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
WHERE: UIndy Hall at the Schwitzer Student Center on the UIndy campus
WHO: Interview opportunities are available, particularly beginning at 11:30 a.m. when lunch is served
PARKING: Available outside Schwitzer Student Center located at 1400 Campus Drive (near the intersection of Hanna Ave.)
RSVP: Please register if you want to attend the Symposium. For members of the media, an RSVP is appreciated but not required.
The Richard M. Fairbanks Symposium on Environmental Justice is hosted by the University of Indianapolis’ Institute for Civic Leadership & Mayoral Archives, in partnership with Indiana Humanities. It is made possible through the generous support of the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation.