Christian Faith and Civic Courage
Donald Shriver
Malone House, Barnett Demesne, Belfast
Thursday, 18th October 2007, 8pm

The earliest Christians gave public witness to their faith in the risen Jesus – often at risk to their lives. Without their witness, almost everything about Jesus of Nazareth would have been lost to public knowledge. Always, in the history of culture, some people have an interest in forgetting, others an interest in remembering, a painful past. The latter are most often the folk who have suffered unjustly at the hands of the former. In the name of justice and truth, Christians and others have a responsibility to remember buried truth about historical injustice.

This lecture will illustrate the courage and persistence of individuals and groups in contemporary Germany and the United States who have uncovered the dark sides of their national pasts and have brought those pasts into widespread public acknowledgment and will ask if, in any way, they have pertinence to contemporary Ireland, both north and south.

Donald W. Shriver, Jr. is Emeritus President of the Faculty and William E. Dodge Professor of Applied Christianity at Union Theological Seminary in New York. He was ordained to the Presbyterian ministry in 1955 and his illustrious career includes: a Ph.D in Religion and Society; six honorary doctoral degrees and posts as a research professor and Professor of Ethics.
In addition to some hundred articles, he has written thirteen books. His most recent work is on human rights and national and international restorative justice. He has also written extensive analyses of national coping with “negative histories”, e.g. the Holocaust, slavery, apartheid and war crimes in Germany, South Africa, Japan and USA.

This lecture by Donald Shriver is made possible by: The UNESCO Centre, University of Ulster; NICRC; and the Understanding Conflict Trust

This occasional lecture series was named in honour of Sir Fred Catherwood, an Ulsterman, and senior industrialist, adviser on industry to the British government, MEP and former vice President of the European Parliament. Among his many roles he made a significant contribution to constructive politics in Northern Ireland and acted as an interlocutor between the British government and Unionism after the Anglo Irish Agreement of 1985.
In this lecture we aim to address issues of public theology, where faith and Christian teaching impact on matters of the public square and public policy. Previous speakers have included, Sir Fred, Michael Schluter, Duncan Forester, Mark Greene, David Smith and Os Guinnes.

An event not to miss! We are pleased to announce that the Centre for Contemporary Christianity in Ireland's annual Christmas fundraising concert will this year take the theme 'A Celtic Christmas - A Celebration of Christmas music and reflections from across these islands'.

The concert will be held at St. Brigid's Church, Derryvolgie Avenue, Malone Road, Belfast on Tuesday 5th December at 7.45 and will include music from Grosvenor Chorale, traditional Celtic Christian prayers, reflections on Advent and traditional musicians from the Irish and Ulster Scots traditions.

St. Brigid's is a beautiful, modern church which has won a number of major architectural awards, the interior features liturgical elements designed by leading artists and sculptors from throughout Ireland. Parking is available at the church and there is easy access for people with disabilities.

Ticket prices are £12.00 and £6.00 for unwaged, students and senior citizens. Under 16's free. The price includes refreshments in St. Brigid's church halls after the event.

We have invited Dr Marva Dawn to take part in a series of events as part of our Annual Conference, during the first weekend in November

Marva is Teaching Fellow in Spiritual Theology at Regent College, Vancouver. She has taught at leadership and worship conferences throughout the world and is a respected theologian, author, musician and educator. She is a scholar with four Masters degrees and a Ph.D. in Christian Ethics and the Scriptures. Marva is also recognised and highly appreciated as a preacher and speaker for all ages. Her 2001 book entitled Powers, Weakness, and the Tabernacling of God was honoured with the 2002 Christianity Today Book Award in the category of The Church/Pastoral Leadership. She is the author of more than fifteen books.

Friday, 3 November 9.30am – 12.45pm Belfast Bible College MORE INFORMATION	From Here to Eternity Christian Spirituality for a Changing World Two seminars for leaders The aim of the event is to help leaders rethink the mission of the church in a changing world and will critique our temptation to be shaped by contemporary secular culture rather than an authentic Christianity.
Saturday, 4 November 9.15am – 4.00pm Armagh City Hotel MORE INFORMATION	We have invited a broad range of speakers to help us consider the kind of vision, vitality, disciplines and practice the church needs in order to sustain our vocation in a changing world. In particular we welcome Dr Marva J Dawn, Fellow in Spiritual Theology at Regent College, Vancouver, who will be our keynote speaker.
Sunday, 5 November 10.00am 6.30pm	Marva Dawn will be preaching at the following church services: Trinity Methodist Church, Knockmore Road, Lisburn Carnmoney Presbyterian Church, Carnmoney
Monday, 6 November Irish Bible Institute, Dublin 9.30am – 3.30pm MORE INFORMATION	A Journey of Faith in a Changing Ireland A one-day consultation for Christian leaders The day is designed to help leaders explore the nature of change to the social and culture climate of Ireland and to consider the kind of leadership needed if the church is to engage with vision and compassion. In particular, we want to discuss how we equip both leaders and congregations for the challenges of a changing context. Our day will be informal and interactive with opportunities to integrate the insights and experiences of participants. To provide structure and guidance for our time we have invited Dr Marva J Dawn from Regent College, Vancouver and Dr Joe McDonagh from Trinity College, Dublin. The programme below will give you a feel for the format.