The Boisi Center for Religion and American Public Life at Boston College looks to create opportunities where a community of scholars, policy makers, media and religious leaders in the Boston area and nationally can connect in conversations and scholarly reflection around issues at the intersection of religion and American public life. Alan Wolfe directs the Center.

Drew Halfmann is an associate professor of sociology at the University of California, Davis, and an expert on abortion policies.

Paul Weithman is a professor of philosophy at Notre Dame University and the author of Religion and the Obligations of Citizenship.

Brendan Sweetman is a professor of philosophy at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Mo., and the author of Why Politics Needs Religion: The Place of Religious Arguments in the Public Square.

Moon Khan is a writer, motivational speaker and contributing columnist of several ethnic newspapers. Khan looks to create respect and political empowerment for all ethnic and immigrant groups. He has ran for and held public office in DuPage County, Ill.

The Rev. Robin Meyers is a United Church of Christ pastor, syndicated columnist and professor of rhetoric at Oklahoma City University. Books he has written include Why the Christian Right Is Wrong: A Minister’s Manifesto for Taking Back Your Faith, Your Flag, Your Future.

Steven M. Tipton is the Charles Howard Candler Professor of Sociology of Religion at Emory University in Atlanta, Ga. He researches American religion and politics, and the sociology of morality.

Nathan O. Hatch is president of Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C., and one of the most influential historians of religion in America. His books include, as author, The Democratization of American Christianity. Contact Donna K. Gung.

The Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, Calif., is dedicated to researching modern ethical issues and attempting to create solutions in diverse fields such as bioethics, the Internet, government and character ethics.