This was clear in Hayek's opening address to the Society's inaugural conference, which deplored the rationalistic liberalism of the French Revolution. Unless the 'breach between true liberalism and religious convictions can be healed', he argued, 'there is no hope for a revival of liberal forces'. The importance of Christianity to the new liberal project was reflected in a session at that conference on 'Liberalism and Christianity', which included twelve speakers drawn from across Europe, the UK and the United States. Although none of the Society's founders were active representatives of the Catholic faith, Röpke noted in 1957, this 'circle of technicians' soon turned its attention to the relation between Christianity and freedom. They became conscious, he suggests, that liberals and Christians, 'concerned for freedom and human dignity', shared common ground they did not share with their collectivist enemy.

Jessica Whyte, The Morals of the Market, loc. 122