Brave New World? New JPIT conference on faithful living in a time of change

Saturday 17 March 2018, Methodist Central Buildings, Central Hall, Oldham Street, Manchester M1 1JQ

 
The hopes, fears and challenges for the future of our communities, countries and the world will be the theme of a new Joint Public Issues Team (JPIT) Conference taking place in Manchester on 17 March. 

Brave New World? Faithful living in a time of change takes place at the Methodist Central Hall on Oldham Street. It will explore what it means to be a Christian in the midst of a changing world. 

JPIT is a joint venture between the Baptist Union of Great Britain, the Methodist Church, the United Reformed Church and the Church of Scotland. The team works together on issues of justice and inequality by influencing those in power and energising local congregations. 

The conference will bring together politicians, journalists, activists and people of faith to discuss the challenges facing our ever-changing communities, nations and the world. 

The programme includes worship, workshops and plenary sessions. The day will begin with Labour and Cooperative Party MP Stella Creasy, and Peter Oborne, columnist at the Daily Mail and former chief political commentator of the Daily Telegraph. As these two public figures with their differing political views converse about our changing world, they will invite delegates to engage with their vision for the challenges ahead. 

Sally Foster-Fulton, head of Christian Aid Scotland, will present the Christian and biblical approach to the question of a brave new world.

Delegates will have the opportunity to explore specific issues in depth in a range of workshops addressing topics including intergenerational justice, responding to hate crime and the changing face of poverty.  

The conference will be drawn to a close by poet-in-residence the Revd Lucy Berry, who will write and perform poetry reflecting on the day.

Rachel Lampard, JPIT Team Leader and Policy Adviser says: “The aim of the conference is to consider how we might respond to the challenges and make the most of the opportunities presented by our changing times. Above all, we want to deepen our understanding of what it might mean to live faithfully in the world. How can we ‘do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God’ (Micah 6:8)?”

 • ‘Brave New World?’ takes place in Methodist Central Hall, Oldham Street, Manchester, on Saturday 17 March 2018 from 10am – 4pm. For further information and for details on how to book your free ticket, go to www.jointpublicissues.org.uk/2018conf