Lecture Series: Faith and Citizenship in a Pluralistic World

Grace Church presents a two evening lecture series on contemporary issues in Church and Society. Lectures will be held at Grace Church in the Upper Parish Hall.

Wednesday November 16th, 2005 – 8:00 p.m.
Speaker: Dr. Robin Lathangue, Ph.D (Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia), Contemporary Studies, Religion and Culture, Laurier Brantford.
Followed by Wine and Cheese and conversation with the speaker.


Thursday November 17th, 2005 - 8:00 p.m.
Speaker: Dr. Peter Farrugia, D. Phil (Oxford University, England), Contemporary Studies and History, Laurier Brantford.
Followed by Wine and Cheese and a panel with questions and conversation with both speakers.

Synopsis
Some scholars would argue that the Age of Christendom is dead. We live in a pluralistic society where Christianity no longer influences public institutions as it once did. Many forget that Canada was founded on principles of faith and that God is explicitly mentioned in the Preamble to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Questions remain: Do people of faith have a responsibility to participate in the public realm? How should faith inform politics and public policy? Recent developments in the United States - where the “religious right” is accused of commandeering the Republican Party, the Presidency and, most recently, appointments to the Supreme Court - have made this a topical issue. What is happening in Canada, and how should Canadians of faith seek to live out their citizenship? Our speakers will provide some historical perspectives and suggest a way forward for thinking, caring Christians.