Topic: John Witherspoon: Faith and Leadership at the Second Continental Congress
When: Tuesday 12/16/2025 at 2:00 pm ET
Join us as we explore the life and contributions of John Witherspoon, a pastor whose faith and leadership helped shape the debates of the Second Continental Congress in 1776. Discover how his convictions influenced the emerging nation and the lasting impact of his voice on the founding of the United States.
Tune in Tuesday, December 16, to learn about Witherspoon’s role, why it mattered, and how his blend of faith and leadership helped guide the course of history.
Constitutional Chats are hosted by Janine Turner, Cathy Gillespie, student ambassadors, and experts who join us weekly to discuss hot-topic issues! The audience is not on camera, but you may ask questions!
Meet the Guest
Jeffry Morrison
Dr. Jeffry Morrison is Professor of American Studies at Christopher Newport University, and Director of Academics at the federal government’s James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation. He has also taught at the University of Virginia, Princeton University, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and Georgetown University.
Dr. Morrison has published five books as author or co-editor, as well as chapters, articles, and reviews in scholarly publications in the fields of political science, history, and religion. He is currently editing The Political Writings of John Witherspoon for Cambridge University Press. He has been the recipient of awards from Princeton University’s James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions, and the National Endowment for the Humanities. He has lectured at colleges and historic sites throughout the United States, and in England (Hertford College, Oxford), and made media appearances on radio, in print, on video, and on television (C-SPAN, and the BBC). Dr. Morrison earned the Ph.D. (with distinction) in Government from Georgetown University. His home in Williamsburg, Virginia sits on a Revolutionary War battlefield.