As part of the celebrations of its Bicentennial, Saint Thomas Church organized a symposium to explore the modalities in which communities of faith are called to engage in society. We had five inspiring speakers and excellent communicators who are deeply involved in Christian social and charitable outreach in the USA and in the UK. The aim of the symposium was reflective and practical. It helped us to reflect on the connection between faith and the vocation to be responsible and passionate actors in society, and explored practices honed by other organizations and communities of faith. The conclusion of the symposium was delivered by the Archbishop of York (UK), the Most Rev. Stephen Geoffrey Cottrell.
The Rev. Dr. Luigi Gioia
Theologian In Residence
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
The Parish Church as Civic Witness to the Common Good
Prof. Luke Bretherton
Robert E. Cushman Distinguished Research Professor of Moral & Political Theology, Duke University
Moral Shocks: Christian Resources for Public Grief and Social Change
Dr. C. Melissa Starr
E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Chair and Associate Professor of Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Sing Alleluia and Keep Walking: Organizing on Earth with the Hope of Heaven
The Rev. Dr. Angus Ritchie and Ana Franca Ferreira
Ecumenical Centre for Theology and Community London, UK
Bayard Rustin and Quaker Practice in New York City
Prof. Sarah Azaransky
Associate Professor of Social Ethics at Union Theological Seminary, New York City
Conclusion
The Most Rev. Stephen Geoffrey Cottrell
Archbishop of York, UK
