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Conference Events
Please note: This list indicates only those events which
have been confirmed thus far and is thus subject to update and change. Full
timetabling will be provided as planning progresses.
Worship Session – Details to be confirmed.
Movement Plenary – An open session
for different Christian networks, movements, and organizations to introduce
themselves. Confirmed attendees to date include representatives of I:58, The Student Christian Movement, SPEAK, Peace School, Fellowship of
Reconciliation, and Christian Peacemaker Teams.
Workshop
Sessions:
Christianity and
Anarchism – A Primer. This introductory session will be a
participant-led discussion exploring the themes of the weekend and of the
potential dialogue (and conflict) which exists between the Gospel and
Anarchist Theory.
Jeff Kirby: The
Biblical Basis for No Borders. In a society where immigration and
asylum seeking carry much stigma, the concept of “no borders”
between nations has become much explored in discussions and activist
events. Here, Biblical themes of nationality will be explored, together
with questions of how Christians ought to approach these issues.
Adam Dickson:
Radical Evangelicalism. Christians often struggle to find a sense of church
unity, and a tension seems to exist within the church between those
“evangelical” groups for whom personal spiritual matters tend
to be most important and more “progressive” groups for whom
social issues might matter the most. Must the two be mutually exclusive?
How might this ecumenism feed our own spiritual journeys?
Graham Martin:
Looking Into the Golden Compass. Philip Pullman’s His Dark
Materials trilogy (and most recently the move adaptation of the first
installment) has often been at the centre of controversy, and particularly
from conservative church groups who feel that his literary message
undermines the Christian faith. However, could such themes within the books
and movie reflect relevant issues faced within the Church?
Wilf Wilde: A
Christian Political Economy. Christian discontent regarding world
poverty and trade injustice has been gaining much attention, but how are
these problems realized within the context of global capitalism, empire,
and war? Are Christians prepared to face the realities of political economy
within the world today, together with all the implications those realities
bring?
Alexandre
Christoyannopoulos: Critiquing Romans 13. In constructing
a dialogue between Anarchism and Christianity, some Biblical verses seem to
be at variance with an otherwise subversive understanding of the Gospels
and Jesus’ ministry. This workshop will explore some of those
“problematic” verses to see if an appropriate context might be
found for them within the broader Biblical narrative.
Dora-Marie
Goulet: Mennonites and Peacemaking. Mennonite Christians form part of the
historic peace churches, and have a long tradition of approaching the
problems of war with creativity and faithful spirituality. This workshop
will examine their theology as well as how some Mennonite churches and
communities have organized themselves today to deal with alternative
methods of conflict resolution.
Claire
McCallion: Christians Among Activists. Exploring the various
experiences of Christians involved in activist events and demonstrations,
and looking at how we interact with others in those settings while staying
rooted in the calling and convictions we have as followers of Christ.
Fellowship of
Reconciliation: On Christian Pacifism and the Philosophy of Nonviolence. Fitting in
with the theme of the conference and 2008 marking the 60th
anniversary of Gandhi’s assassination as well as the 40th
anniversary of Martin Luther King’s assassination, this is a chance
to explore Biblical perspectives on violence, warfare, and principles of
peace.
Martha Hennacy: Dorothy Day and the Catholic Worker Movement. Martha
Hennessy is the seventh grandchild of Dorothy Day, co-founder of the radical
Catholic Worker movement, and has worked consistently hard to keep her
ancestor’s vision alive. In this workshop, she present a portrait of
Dorothy Day and how her purpose has provided great inspiration for
Christians and Anarchists right up until the present day.
Martin Newell: The
Problems of Policing. Martin Newell is a Passionist
priest with a colourful history of involvement
with London Catholic Worker. He is a passionate advocate of nonviolent
direct action and has subsequently had many run-ins with the law as a
result of his unwavering fight against government violence and warfare. His
workshop will look at the various ways in which Christians and activists
engage with law enforcement.
More workshop themes to be added as they are
confirmed. All sessions are envisaged to last approximately one and a half
hours, and promise to be fully interactive and participatory.
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