Ekklesia looks forward

This year, Ekklesia, the Anabaptist-angled Christian political think-tank, marks ten years of operation. Depending on how you count, it’s eleven. But ten is rounder!

Recently we have been reporting, researching and commenting on issues including land reform, disability and welfare reform, the use of the Bible in debates about sexuality, education, global justice, peacemaking and more.

We value our growing partnerships with the Critical Religion Association, the Festival of Spirituality and Peace, and Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church, among others. Plus Anabaptist-influenced friends in Scotland, of course!

At present there is work being done on longer-term development and funding. Finance is tight for us and for many friends who share our values.

More: http://www.ekklesia.co.uk

Anabaptist Theology Forum news

A further meeting of the Anabaptist Theology Forum (which usually meets in England, but has participants from Scotland) is being considered for December 2013, but we do not have a date or details at present.

Sadly, the long-term venue for our overnight meetings, Offa House Retreat Centre near Leamington Spa, had to close recently. That meant we had to postpone our April/May gathering.

A website has now been established as a point of information and contact. We will be in touch with those on our mailing list, or who have written in, shortly.

Go to: http://anabaptisttheology.wordpress.com/

Anabaptist Theology Forum

The Anabaptist Theology Forum will meet again near Leamington Spa, in England, from 5th-6th December. It is open to people from all around these islands (and indeed has enjoyed the contribution of German and Dutch guests in recent years).

There are a few spare spaces at this event for those with a serious interest in both modern and historic Anabaptism.

Dr Richard Bourne, author of Seek the Peace of the City: Christian Political Criticism as Public, Realist, and Transformative will be presenting on John Howard Yoder and restorative justice. Dr Ruth Gouldbourne of Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church in London will be introducing the Hubmeier communion liturgy. And a discussion session will focus on where the 'post-Christendom' analysis of our religious situation is heading, including an interview contribution from Dr Stuart Murray Williams, editor of the After Christendom series of books published by Paternoster Press.

More information here - if you are interested in attending please contact us as soon as possible. 

[Image courtesy and (c) of Graber Designs]