Šiluva conference discusses Lithuania's future and societal values

The national scientific-practical conference ‘Fear and Trembling: On What Will We Build the Future of Lithuania’ was held for the fourth time in Šiluva on September 3, 2026. The event brought together clergy, academics, and political representatives to discuss the impact of fear on society, demographics, freedom of speech, and the foundational values of the state.

Vilnius Archbishop Gintaras Grušas emphasized that Lithuania’s future cannot be viewed solely as an economic or technological project, arguing that human dignity and the common good must be based on natural and religious principles. Kaunas Archbishop Kęstutis Kėvalas distinguished between debilitating fear and a respectful ‘fear of God’ that helps recognize good and limits the claims of absolute earthly power.

Discussions also addressed the demographic crisis, with Professor Gediminas Karoblis linking it to societal opposition. Other participants, including Aurelijus Veryga and Linas Kukuraitis, examined how geopolitical fears influence decisions regarding family and childbirth. Additionally, the conference explored the tension between controlling misinformation and maintaining freedom of speech, with Kristina Zamarytė-Sakavičienė highlighting the risks of using the fight against falsehoods as a pretext to restrict legal and verbal freedoms.