Institute for Christian Studies
Free to be Faithful Program Resources
Community
Community All Events Conference
Courses
Community gathering
Institute for Christian Studies

Free to be
Faithful

Equipping Christians for Democratic Life

Courses, resources, and community for Christians seeking to explore how their ancient faith can engage the pressing issues of our time.

Explore Courses → Join the Movement

"For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."

— Galatians 5 : 1

Our Mission

Finding a
Better Way

Free to be Faithful is a community-driven initiative committed to renewing public life by helping Christians engage culture — guided by the Spirit, united in our very differences. We offer conversations, resources, and events that equip believers to be both faithfully Christian and deeply committed to the common good.

This is not a political movement. It's a discipleship practice — one that cultivates a Christian imagination, civic wisdom, and relational depth.

Rooted without becoming rigid. Bold without becoming belligerent. Faithful without becoming fearful.

Program · Resource ·
Community

Three ways F2BF helps you connect faith and life wherever you are on your journey.

01

Program

Six-week online courses led by world-class scholars, with the option to earn ICS credit toward degree completion.

  • Courses to foster deeper understanding
  • Community to spark a new imagination
  • Retreats and intensives for all walks
02

Resource

See what we've been reading, listening to, and watching concerning the most pressing issues facing Christians today.

  • Curated texts to dive deeper
  • Shared expertise from scholars
  • Enriching dialogues to relive or discover
03

Community

Join our open events, build coalitions, find solidarity with welcoming people eager to continue the conversation.

  • Open events to strengthen coalitions
  • Timely writing to challenge and inform
  • Welcoming people from every tradition
Knox College Ministry Forum
ICS Free to Be Faithful

Courageous Faith
in a Time of Fear

Pastoral Leadership, Public Responsibility, and the Risk of Taking a Stand

May 13–14, 2026 Toronto, ON In-Person + Livestream

A two-day public conference exploring what it means to lead, speak, and act faithfully amid political polarization and deep divisions within churches. Open to clergy and lay leaders alike, with a dedicated pastoral leadership track.

Dr. Kristin Kobes Du Mez
Keynote — May 13

Dr. Kristin Kobes Du Mez

Rev. Joash P. Thomas
Plenary — May 14

Rev. Joash P. Thomas

Faith & public life in polarized contexts Pastoral leadership under fear & fatigue Truth-telling, reconciliation & moral imagination Cultivating resilient, hopeful communities
Full Details + Registration →

Embrace Your Freedom
to Be Faithful

Join a growing community of Christians who believe that ancient faith can actively engage the pressing issues of our time.

Explore Courses → Subscribe on Substack