The 40th Anniversary

Conference

City on a Hill?

Christians in America at 250

Join us September 24–26

as we celebrate Touchstone’s 40th anniversary
at our new conference venue in Oak Brook, Illinois.

The Arabella

“For we must consider that we shall be
as a city upon a hill.
The eyes of all people are upon us.”

John Winthrop spoke these words in 1630 aboard the flagship Arabella en route to American shores. Quoting our Lord, Winthrop spoke not of a nation but about the charity of Christ’s disciples.

Since then, almost every American President since Kennedy has quoted Winthrop’s famous words and refashioned them for political purposes.

We have assembled a group of leading Christian writers in such fields as law, politics, and philosophy to assess and debate our history and our future. Our Lord called his disciples the light of the world. What must we do to live up to our calling?

DoubleTree by Hilton Oak Brook

Hotel & Venue

The 2026 Touchstone Conference will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Oak Brook, Illinois, just west of Chicago and conveniently located near major highways, restaurants, and shopping.

Conference attendees may reserve rooms at a special discounted rate through our conference block.

FAQ

What is the schedule for the conference?

Doors open at 4 p.m. on Thursday, September 24, with the first talk beginning at 7 p.m. The last talk will conclude around noon on Saturday, September 26.

Will the sessions be live-streamed?

Yes, the conference will be live-streamed. Attendees will also have access to the talks when they are posted to the Touchstone website after the conference. Email conference@touchstonemag.com for more details.

Is there a student rate or a discounted rate?

Yes, students can register for a greatly reduced rate. There are also a limited number of tickets available at a reduced rate.

Tell me more about the free subscription.

Attendees who are not currently Touchstone subscribers will have the opportunity to sign up for a subscription beginning with the Jan/Feb 2027 issue, including full access to the online archives.

What is included with lunch on Friday?

For lunch, we will have a complimentary buffet featuring:
- Soup: Your choice of gluten-free tomato basil or minestrone
- Main: Ham sandwich or a vegan/gluten-free garden wrap
- Sides: Green salad and dessert

Attendees are responsible for their own dinner on Friday night, except for those invited to the Guild dinner. Multiple restaurants are within walking distance of the hotel at the nearby Oakbrook Center. View the mall directory here.

Join us September 24–26

as we celebrate Touchstone’s 40th anniversary
at our new conference venue in Oak Brook, Illinois.

Ticket Type Includes Price
Standard Registration 3 Days • 8 Lectures • 2 Panels
Friday lunch • Coffee breaks • Evening receptions
$325
Student Registration Same conference access as Standard Registration $25
Reduced-Rate Registration (Waitlist) Same conference access as Standard Registration. Limited Availability
Interested in a reduced-rate registration? Email conference@touchstonemag.com to be added to the waitlist.

The 2026 Touchstone Conference

City on a Hill? Christians in America at 250

Presented by Touchstone: A Journal of Mere Christianity

© 2026 The Fellowship of St. James