Christians in the UK public square

Communicating Bible to Babel
– Exploring and shaping the debate on Christian language and communication in the public square

Liverpool Hope University Friday 28 – Saturday 29 September 2007

For a long time religious discourse has had limited access and impact in politics. In the UK, it is generally acknowledged that Christian political discourse has not been effective in speaking truth with grace in our contemporary mediascape. However, given the growing number of challenges to secularism, it is clear that God is very much back on the political agenda. In this new context, it is important to explore the themes and issues that define language and communication of a Christian worldview in the public square.

Following Bible Society Discourse Process events at political party conferences and a Parliamentary symposium, the colloquium will provide for a more detailed theological and philosophical exploration. With an interdisciplinary approach, it will offer a forum to
facilitate discussion about the development of Christian political discourse.

Bishop of Liverpool, Rt Revd James Jones
Dr Jolyon Mitchell, School of Divinity, University of Edinburgh
Nick Spencer, Theos – the public theology think tank
Professor John Sullivan, Centre for Christian Education

Building on themes and issues raised in the earlier events, the colloquium facilitates a more sophisticated theological and philosophical exploration of the language and communication of Christians in the public square. On the basis of what we understand and experience about the challenges and opportunities for ‘Doing God’ in contemporary political discourse, this event develops thinking about the necessary connections between worldview and discourse in public theology.