Kate Forbes: Freedom of Conscience is the foundation stone of Civilisation [ARC 2026]

At ARC 2026, Kate Forbes argued that every generation faces the same choice: to follow conviction or convenience. Drawing on figures including Theodore Roosevelt, William Wilberforce, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Edmund Burke, and the biblical story of Daniel, Forbes reflected on the cost of standing by your principles in modern public life. She shared her own experience of facing criticism over her Christian faith during her leadership campaign, and made the case that conscience, courage, and enduring truth remain essential to a free society. __ Buy your 1st edition copy of our new book, The Age of Reconstruction: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1916948510 With the return of the ARC Conference this June, we are publishing a brand new book — the most comprehensive synthesis of ARC’s philosophy to date. Drawing on Augustine, Tolkien, and a long tradition of civilisational thinking, The Age of Reconstruction charts a path from diagnosis to renewal. While many can point out where things have gone wrong, this book does what most can’t: it lays out a vision of what we must build, how, and why it is still possible. Praise for The Age of Reconstruction: "Will Western Civilisation flourish, or flounder? It depends on us, and the decisions we make right now. And Johnny Patterson's wonderful 'The Age of Reconstruction' gives us the formula, based on timeless ideas and wisdom." — Arthur Brooks, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author __ Kate Forbes recently served as Deputy First Minister of Scotland and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic. She previously served as Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy. __ 00:00 The man in the arena 01:24 Conscience vs convenience 02:53 The cost of standing for truth 04:14 Every generation faces its own battle 04:58 Why conscience is disappearing from public life 07:02 Edmund Burke on political conscience 07:36 My leadership campaign and public backlash 09:22 "The prize is never worth the compromise" 10:01 Freedom, faith, and Western civilization 11:24 How the Bible shaped modern Scotland 12:26 Why courage matters more than ever 12:55 Daniel's example for our generation 14:05 Stand for life, justice, and truth __ Go deeper with ARC Research. Read reports, articles, and academic papers underneath our talks - all pointed towards advancing education, promoting research, and developing ideas about the keys to human flourishing and prosperity. https://www.arc-conference.com/resear... If you would like to support ARC’s mission financially, firstly - thank you so much for trusting us with your resources. And secondly, find out how here: https://www.arc-conference.com/donate If you have any questions for us, or would like to partner with us, contact us here: [email protected]