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Rev. Sirico and R.R. Reno to debate the merits of the free market
Rev. Sirico and R.R. Reno to debate the merits of the free market
Dec 12, 2025 3:03 AM

Over the past year there has been an ongoing debate carried out online in outlets like the Acton Institute blog, Public Discourse, and First Things magazine over the legitimacy of free markets. Many of us advocates of the free market have been dismayed at the openness—if not outright embrace—of socialism as a better option than free enterprise by conservative Christians.

A prime example is the recent essay by First Things editor R. R. Reno revisiting Michael Novak’s 1990 classic The Spirit of Democratic Capitalism. Reno says capitalism “is our fate – and our problem,” and advocates a position that seeks to revisit the failures of both socialism and the free market.

In response to essay, Acton president and co-founder Rev. Robert Sirico agreed to debate sponsored by The King’s College.

The event will be held tonight in New York City at 6:30 in the Princeton Club. Click here for more information or to RSVP.

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