We the People Believe: Freedom, Religion, and Pluralism

We the People Believe: Freedom, Religion, and Pluralism

An Interfaith Symposium on the Foundations of American Democracy and Future of Freedom

This half-day symposium will feature new scholarship on freedom, the history of independence, pluralism, and religion. It will re-examine the foundations of American democracy while also exploring its future through interfaith perspectives and intercultural engagement. Bringing historical reflections into conversation with contemporary global perspectives, the symposium will raise new questions about the role of religion and the future of freedom.

Thursday, October 29, 2026

1:15–1:30 p.m. | Welcome

1:30–2:30 p.m. | Panel 1: Freedom, Independence, and Pluralism

David Wong (Philosophy)
Confucianism, Relativism, and the Epistemic Foundations of Pluralism

Polly Ha (Duke Divinity School, History, and Transformative Ideas)
“Re-founding the History of Independence: Religious Pluralism, Independence, and the Making of the New England Mind”

2:30–2:45 p.m. | Break

2:45–3:45 p.m. | Panel 2

Daniel Herskowitz (Religious Studies)
“Judaism and the Foundations of Modern Political Thought”

Michael Gillespie (Political Science)
Locke and American Political Thought

4:00–5:00 p.m. | Interfaith Dialogue at Duke

Panel featuring:

• Priya Amaresh, Hindu Chaplain
• Rabbi Elana Friedman, Campus Rabbi and Jewish Chaplain
• Rev. Dr. Lyn Pace, Assistant Dean of Religious Life
• Dr. Joshua Salaam, Muslim Chaplain
• Rev. Prasert Ammartek, Buddhist Chaplain

5:00–5:30 p.m. | Hors d’oeuvres & Refreshments

5:30–7:00 p.m. | Keynote Lecture & Panel Discussion

Keynote Lecture: Eboo Patel (Interfaith America)

Panel Discussion:
Religious Pluralism, the American Experience, and the Future of Freedom

Featuring Eboo Patel and Duke faculty.