Across the world, people of faith are challenged, and challenge others, especially in authoritarian regimes. Perhaps all of us, religious and non-religious alike, need to rediscover the Gospel values of justice and peace.
Prevailing economic and political orders, including those of so-called ‘Christian’ countries, run counter to Gospel values. This creates its own challenges in witnessing and promoting faith as a movement for change.
The enormity of the challenges we face often paralyse us. However we are witnessing the emergence of social movements which attract committed people, energised by dark times, stimulating a necessary response.
We are called to be faithful to the liberating power of God in fluid times.
Our programme in Lent 2023, seeks to:
- Build solidarity with the church in persecution.
- To understand challenges of people of all beliefs.
- Reflect on the challenges of being a Christian in our contemporary world.
- Understand how race, disability, gender and sexuality are exclusionary factors to faith.
- Employ creative arts in liturgy and presentations.
- Develop a programme for future engagement.
Programme
(more info and event bookings available soon)
Wednesday February 22nd 7.00pm
Ash Wednesday
An overview of the challenges to people of faith. An opportunity to think about the justice concerns of which people of faith need both to become aware and to act
Sunday services during Lent
Tuesdays at 7pm, February 28th - April 4th
Study course – on Zoom
Wednesday March 1st 7.00pm - Meeting Badass Believers
Three people who live the faith: Bethan Lant, Vanessa Elston, Augustine Tanner Ihm
Wednesday March 8th 7.00pm - Voices of Change
Listening to changemakers
Dr Fessehaye Woldesus Zemichael, Nazek Ramadan
With music from Jengen Hussain
Wednesday March 15th 7.00pm - Believers Without Borders
Inter-faith understandings of resistance and persecution
Pastor Hoi Hing Chan, African Rainbow Family
Wednesday March 22nd 7.00pm
A manifesto for badass believers
An interactive workshop bringing together our learning and thinking how we can act better for justice and faith
Wednesday March 29th 6.30 - Film
King: A Filmed Record... Montgomery to Memphis
Sunday April 2nd
Handel's Messiah
Friday April 7th 7.30pm
Fire – an evening of poetry and music
With Union Chapel Voices