INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Christian Theological Seminary (CTS) will welcome Pulitzer Prize-winning presidential historian and bestselling author Jon Meacham for a public conversation on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 7 p.m. in Shelton Auditorium on the Butler University South Campus.
Centered on the question “Who will lead us forward?”, the evening will explore moral courage and principled leadership at the intersection of faith, democracy, and justice. In a conversation moderated by the Honorable Myra C. Selby, former chair of the CTS Board of Trustees, Meacham will draw on his extensive study of American history and public life to examine what the nation’s past can teach us about meeting the challenges of the present.
“This evening is an invitation to consider both the leadership our world needs and the role each of us can play in creating a more just, compassionate and hopeful future,” said David M. Mellott, PhD, president of Christian Theological Seminary. “Jon Meacham’s work speaks powerfully to the moral imagination, courage and commitment required to meet this moment. We look forward to welcoming the wider community to CTS for this important conversation and to sharing our vision for what comes next.”
Meacham is one of America’s most prominent historians and commentators on politics, faith and civic life. His books include And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle, The Soul of America: The Battle for Our Better Angels and the Pulitzer Prize-winning American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House. He also served as canon historian of Washington National Cathedral and is a distinguished visiting professor at Vanderbilt University.
For more than a century, CTS has prepared leaders to respond thoughtfully and faithfully to the needs of the church and the wider community. This special evening will also mark the public introduction of RISE UP: A Campaign for Human Flourishing, a comprehensive
campaign advancing the Seminary’s work through the pillars of Faithful Leadership, Healing and Wholeness, Equity and Justice, and Sustaining Generosity.
Registration information and additional event details for the October 13 program can be found at https://www.cts.edu/events/who-will-lead-us-forward-a-conversation-with-jon-meacham/.
About Christian Theological Seminary
Christian Theological Seminary (CTS) is a fully-accredited ecumenical graduate school rooted in the Christian tradition and committed to developing leaders for the church and society. Through theological education, counseling, community engagement, and innovative initiatives, CTS equips individuals and communities to address the pressing challenges of the world with faith, wisdom, and courage.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Stephanie Seeger
Communications Department
Christian Theological Seminary
