Franciscan Justice Leadership Conference: Ours to do
November 7-9, 2026
Hilton Arlington National Landing Hotel, 2399 Richmond Highway, Arlington, VA 22202
Join Franciscan-hearted people from across the country this November 7-9, 2026 just outside Washington, D.C. Together, we will learn, grow, and connect, empowered to make an impact in our communities and beyond. Check out the video below to learn more about the conference. Ready to register? Click here.
About
This transformative intergenerational gathering is brought to you by the Franciscan Action Network (FAN) and the Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities (AFCU). Rooted in the Franciscan tradition, we will learn how to amplify our collective voice on pressing national and global issues.
What Awaits You at the Conference
- Training on nonviolent communication and effective civic engagement
- Education on key issues from speakers presenting diverse perspectives
- Inspiration from Franciscan formation, prayer, reflection, and community-building
- Empowerment via meetings on Capitol Hill with congressional representatives to present our perspectives on peace, justice, and care for creation.
Tentative Conference Schedule
Our schedule is subject to change, please check back for updates.
Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026
11:00 AM-12:30 PM Conference Check-in
1:00-2:00 PM Welcome & Opening Session
2:00-3:00 PM Keynote by Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv.
3:30-4:30 PM Panel Discussion
5:00-6:00 PM Catholic Mass
6:00-7:30 PM Dinner
7:30 PM + Cultural Activities, Social Time, Visit Tables
Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026
7:45-8:45 AM Breakfast
8:45-9:00 AM Morning Prayer
9:00-10:15 AM Nonviolent Communication Training
10:30-11:45 AM Franciscan Justice Circles
12:00-1:30 PM Lunch
1:30-5:00 PM Advocacy Training & Preparation for U.S. Congressional Visits
6:00-7:00 PM Dinner
7:00-7:30 PM Prayer
Monday, Nov. 9, 2026
7:00-7:45 AM Breakfast
7:45 AM Blessing and Depart for Capitol Hill
9:00-11:45 AM Advocacy visits on Capitol Hill
12:00 PM-1:00 PM Lunch and conclusion on Capitol Hill
1:00 PM Depart from Capitol Hill
Speakers and Presenters
Please check back often for updates on speakers and presenters.
Keynote Speaker: Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv., Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Lexington
Bishop John Stowe is from Amherst, OH and attended grade school at St. Anthony of Padua Parish, staffed by the Conventual Franciscans, and Lorain Catholic High School. After a year of community college, Bishop John joined the formation program for the Conventual Franciscan Province of Our Lady of Consolation at St. Bonaventure Friary in St. Louis, MO. Bp. Stowe completed his BA in 1990 at St. Louis University, and a Master’s in Divinity and Licentiate in Church History from the Jesuit School of Theology, Berkeley, CA. He served as pastor in El Paso where he was later named Chancellor. He was elected Vicar Provincial for his Franciscan Province in southern Indiana in 2010. In 2015, he was named by Pope Francis the third bishop of Lexington, KY. He currently serves as the Bishop President of Pax Christi USA, continuing his history of work in peace, justice, and care for our common home.
Civic Engagement on Capitol Hill
Given the rapidly changing political landscape, it is difficult to predict which issues will be most relevant–and on which there will be viable legislation to raise–many months in advance. To ensure that attendees’ efforts on Capitol Hill are timely, relevant, and impactful, FAN organizers will finalize two core focus areas by early September. These will be chosen from the following interconnected issues: immigration, the environment, democracy, peace. Stay tuned for updates!
Registration Options
Early Bird Registration (until 7/15/2026): $325 for the general public, $275 for young adults (18-30)
Standard Registration (beginning 7/16/2026): $350 for the general public, $300 for young adults (18-30)
Lodging must be booked separately from registration. We have reserved a block of rooms at the conference venue at a special conference rate and recommend that you book your room after you have completed conference registration.
Once registered, conference attendees are invited to reserve hotel rooms in a special room block with a discounted rate of $129/night (before taxes). Please reserve a room AFTER you have completed conference registration.
FJLC 2026 Transportation Guide: Click Here
Consider Supporting an Attendee
In a world facing complex challenges, real change begins with each of us. The Franciscan Justice Leadership Conference brings together passionate advocates who are ready to make their voices heard for peace, justice, and the protection of creation.
In past years, through the generosity of supporters, we were able to provide scholarships to people who needed them, ensuring they could attend and participate in this powerful gathering. We aim to continue this tradition in 2026, but we need your support to make it possible.
The actual cost for each participant—covering conference costs, materials, local transportation, six meals but not lodging—exceeds $400. By supporting an attendee, you ensure that this conference remains accessible to those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Would your institution or organization like to partner with us as a Franciscan Justice Leadership Conference Sponsor? Support our conference AND gain valuable visibility through sponsorship.
As you consider joining us, we know you may have questions…we have answers. Please see Sponsorship at 2026 FJLC: Q & A HERE.
For more information, please contact FAN staff member Nora Pfeiffer at npfeiffer@franciscanaction.org.