Michael J. Gerson—beloved White House speechwriter and senior policy adviser, and Washington Post columnist—brought wisdom, moral clarity, and uncommon grace to our public life.
The Trinity Forum, with support from the College Board and the Haslam Foundation, is honored to carry forward his legacy through the newly created Michael J. Gerson Memorial Prize for Excellence in Writing on Faith and Public Life.
The Prize will honor and celebrate emerging writers whose work reflects Michael’s conscience, courage, and hope. We invite you to join us for the announcement of the first honoree, chosen by our selection committee who will join us for a panel discussion:
“Conscience, Courage and Craft: The Duty of the Writer in an Age of Confusion,”
with
Peter Wehner, chair
David Brooks
Christine Emba
Russell Moore
Karen Swallow Prior
Where: Washington National Cathedral, a place close to Michael’s heart.
When: Wednesday, November 19, 2025
6:00 PM Drinks and light hors d’oeuvres reception
7:00 PM Award of the Prize, and selection committee conversation
Registration: $30
Capacity is limited.
Learn more about Michael and the Prize here. We look forward to gathering in gratitude for Michael’s life and in anticipation of the voices his example will continue to inspire.
With thanks to our sponsors:
$25,000 sponsors:
President and Mrs. George W. and Laura Bush
The Gates Foundation
More Perfect
The Honorable and Mrs. Joel and Laura Kaplan
$10,000 sponsors:
The Honorable and Mrs. Josh and Ann Bolten
The Honorable and Mrs. Stephen J. and Ann Hadley
The Rockefeller Foundation
The University of Pennsylvania’s Program for Research on Religion and Urban Civil Society
$5,000 sponsors:
Mr. David Campaigne with BlueTrust
Professor John DiIulio, Jr.
The Honorable Ari Fleischer
The Honorable Harriet Miers
The Honorable Ann Thomas (AT) and Mr. Murray Johnston
The Honorable Dr. Condoleezza Rice
Mr. Greg Shaw
Mr. Fred Smith
Ms. Charity Wallace
Other sponsors:
Aspen Institute — Religion & Society
Council for Christian Colleges & Universities
The Honorable Karl Rove
Interested in sponsoring? Contact Trinity Forum Partnerships Director Campbell Vogel.
Speakers
-
PETER WEHNER -
DAVID BROOKS -
CHRISTINE EMBA -
RUSSELL MOORE -
KAREN SWALLOW PRIOR