Special to the HERALD
(From the issue of 4/29/04)

The Men’s Leadership Forum recently concluded its second season with an afternoon session featuring Robert Novak, nationally syndicated columnist and television host who provided insight into his experience of faith and the media .

In his presentation, Novak related his experiences with his media colleagues following his 1998 conversion to Catholicism. Following his baptism and confirmation his friend and neighbor, the late Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan of New York, said to him, "Bob, you’ve become a Catholic. Now let’s see if you can become a Christian." Novak said that he works at being a Christian daily.

Among the insights that he shared was his observation that there are, in his view, truly two Americas, one of faith and the other purely secular which places its faith solely in government. It is to this latter "America" that most of the education, entertainment and news media establishments belong.

The consequences for treatment of religious concerns by these cultural institutions are obvious, especially when one considers the near total absence of religion by reporters in major media. These being the given circumstances, he points out the steep odds against faith in the culture wars, but observed that his own conversion story gives him hope.

The Men’s Leadership Forum was created in recognition that in society today there is an increasing awareness of the profound need for professional leaders to be inspired by Christian ideals and actively to apply those ideals to their everyday activities – in a phrase, to live a unity of life. In addition, the Forum seeks to respond authentically to the Christian responsibility to help those around us – at work, at home, and in civic life. The Men’s Leadership Forum is a program designed for professional leaders in the Northern Virginia Area addressing these critical issues. It’s goal is to offer guidance and encouragement in the application of Christian principles to daily life.

In the coming months, the forum will announce its third season of sessions on an additional four vital topics. The outstanding group of speakers it plans to present again will provide thought-provoking and challenging material. As in its past two seasons (just completed) considerations will include the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, Pope John Paul II, and Saint Josemaria Escriva, the founder of Opus Dei. The sessions will also provide the opportunity to deepen professional friendships and enhance spiritual solidarity among one’s peers. Information on the upcoming season will be posted to the forum’s web site (www.mensleadershipforum.org) as soon as announced. For more information, please call Keith Fimian at 703/293-1411.