FROM A(MBROSE) TO (GEN.) Z: RESOURCING THE TRADITION IN RESPONSE TO CONTEMPORARY CONCERNS IN THE CHURCH

An international conference at St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, April 24-26, 2026

Hosted by the Academy for the Study of St. Ambrose of Milan (ASSAM)

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe

A wave of deep social challenges faces the Church today. This conference proposes a synodal response, rich in diverse perspective and resourcing the rich heritage of the Catholic Intellectual Tradition. The goal is to help all participants to incarnate hope for the Church and for society. Papers will represent those who have experience in the areas mentioned below, as well as experts in the life and teachings of St. Ambrose of Milan, our Patron Saint. We, the Church, are called to hope and to take risks for the sake of the Gospel. Ambrose encourages us still "to seek wisdom, contemplation, and action through sound reason" (Comm. on Psalm 118 2.32), or as Pope Francis said, “Our goal is to dare to turn what is happening to the world into our own personal suffering and thus to discover what each of us can do about it” (Laudato Si 19).

The areas of concern addressed at this conference include:

• Encouraging, supporting, and connecting with Gen Z youth

• Embracing the gifts of marginalized communities, including immigrants and LGBTQ+

• Locating leadership opportunities for women in the Church

• Managing the Church’s relationship with the State

• Saving God’s Creation from spiraling environmental crises

In addition to Cardinal Radcliffe's keynote address, topical keynote papers, panel discussions, and paper sessions will provide a sound framework for the weekend.  The fellowship in collegial dialogue about challenging topics will grace the framework.

Topical keynote speakers include:

Donna Carroll, EdD, President of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities

Tom Chapman, Executive Director of the Iowa Catholic Conference

Timothy Matovina, PhD, Professor of Theology, University of Notre Dame

Nabil Tueme, PhD, National Speaker, Springtide Research Institute

Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy, MTS, Executive Director of the Catholic Mobilizing Network

Registration