Faith 250: A Multifaith Journey Through America’s Founding Texts

Imagine rooms full of people from many faiths — sharing food, conversation, and fellowship — reflecting together on what makes this country worth celebrating. WIVEC is hosting community gatherings like this in May and June, leading up to July 4th, where neighbors read and discuss America's most inspiring founding words. It's a once-in-a-generation chance to counter division and build unity together.

In Appleton, WIVEC is partnering with ESTHER and Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in hosting Faith 250, a national movement (see https://faith250.org) to make this anniversary a time of shared civic renewal, rather than one of division or conflict. Reflect on spiritual and moral questions, while encouraging civic (not political) engagement. Build lasting relationships between local leaders and institutions that care about our country’s future, grounded in pride, patriotism, empathy, and unity.

These Fox Cities gatherings will be in-person or virtual. Please register in advance:

Register to Attend in Person | Register to Attend on Zoom

Break bread, discuss texts that are the cornerstone of American democratic history, and build fellowship, illustrating how an array of local institutions can form the basis of America’s positive civic health.

THE FOUR TEXTS (preview at https://www.faith250.org/p/the-four-texts)

• The New Colossus, Emma Lazarus
• What to the Slave is The Fourth of July?, Frederick Douglass
• The Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson
• America The Beautiful, Katharine Lee Bates

We will meet 2 times, discussing the first two texts at the first meeting on June 23, and the second two texts at the second meeting on June 30.

Both meetings will start at 6:30 pm. Snacks and beverages will be provided.