The Roots conversation series is a collaboration between Columbia’s Burke Library at Union Theological Seminary and Commonweal. It convenes a range of thinkers for a series of public discussions grounded in philosophy, theology, and the humanities. The aim is not to defend specific positions or provide inarguable conclusions. Instead we seek to invite reflection, provoke conversation, and inspire action—a mode of meeting the political, moral, and existential challenges of our time.

Fall 2025 Slate

Thursday, October 4: Why Converse?

Featuring Matthew Sitman, writer & host of the Know Your Enemy podcast, and Tara Isabella Burton, author & visiting Research Fellow at the Catholic University of America

Moderated by Commonweal editor Dominic Preziosi 

This event has passed.

Thursday, November 6: Why Write?

Featuring Alissa Wilkinson, film critic at The New York Times, author of We Tell Ourselves Stories, and Micheal O’Siadhail, poet 

Moderated by Commonweal editor Matthew Boudway

This event has passed.

Thursday, December 4: Why Read?

 Featuring Roosevelt Montás, John and Margaret Bard Professor of Liberal Education and Civic LIfe at Bard College, and Adam Kirsch, literary critic, poet, and professor 

Moderated by Commonweal editor Matthew Boudway

This event has passed.

Spring 2026 Slate

Thursday, February 12: Why Pay Attention?

Featuring Jennifer A. Herdt, author and ethicist, and Shane McRae, poet and author 

Moderated by Commonweal features editor Alexander Stern. 

This event has passed.

Thursday, March 12: Why Do We Suffer?

Featuring Dan Barry, New York Times columnist and author, and Lydia Dugdale, MD, MAR, clinical ethicist and author 

Moderated by Commonweal editor Dominic Preziosi.

This event has passed.

Thursday, April 9: Why Try?

Featuring Elisabeth Lasch-Quinn, author and professor, and Dhananjay Jagannathan, author, philosopher and cultural critic . 

Moderated by Commonweal senior editor Matthew Boudway.

This event has passed.