Promoting and encouraging the formation of moral character and the application of biblical ethics to contemporary moral decisions.
Mission
The Center for Applied Christian Ethics (CACE) supports the mission of Wheaton College by promoting and encouraging the formation of moral character and the application of biblical ethics to contemporary moral decisions.
Practice
As part of the Faith, Learning, and Living Initiatives of Wheaton College, CACE serves Wheaton faculty and students through a wide array of activities, including ethical training, public forums, and special projects. An annual theme provides the organizing framework for CACE programming. Themes are selected for their interdisciplinary reach and their contemporary significance. Past themes include:
- Telling Our Stories?
- AI & the Liberal Arts;
- Discovering Creaturely Life with God;
- Christian Nationalism;
- Speaking the Truth with Grace;
- Challenges in Christian Ethics: Charting a course for the 21st Century;
- Created or Crafted: Exploring Identity;
- What's the Frequency? Authentic Living in a 5,000-Channel Universe;
- Thy Kingdom Come: Christian Moral Engagement in the World;
- Environment, Economics, Equity;
- Community and Freedom;
- Competition and Success;
- Secrecy, Lying and Censorship;
- Greed and Generosity in Personal and Public Life;
- Distinctive Responsibilities for the Environment;
- Valuing Families and Family Values;
- Violence and Peace;
- Ethical Challenges of Globalization;
- Liberty, Security, and Dissent;
- Moral Judgment and Decision-Making in a Corporate Society; and
- The Future of Humanity: Technology, Medicine, and Genetics.
In addition to its on-campus presence, CACE provides the broader public with publications, programming, and conferences. Through a monthly e-journal featuring essays, projects, upcoming events, and academic publications, CACE presents evangelical moral reflections on contemporary issues. Most CACE campus programs are open to the public.
Structure
CACE originated from a 1986 Christian College Consortium PEW project titled, Ethics Across the Curriculum. Under the supervision of the Provost at Wheaton College, the Center's activities are coordinated by a part-time faculty director in consultation with college departments.
Wheaton College funds the Center’s administrative expenses, while grants, gifts and donations provide primary support for all events, publications and conferences. To become a funding partner with the Center, please contact Dr. Vincent Bacote, or send your contribution to the Center for Applied Christian Ethics, Wheaton College, 501 College Ave., Wheaton, IL 60187.