Shaping debate on religion in public life.

‘Reclaiming the Public Space’

Marking seventy years since the death of Archbishop William Temple, ‘Reclaiming the Public Space’ will examine the role of Christianity, and other faiths, in developing a just society.

Reclaiming the Public Space:

Archbishop William Temple 70th Anniversary Conference

Monday 10th November – People’s History Museum, Manchester

Opening Address

William Temple’s relevance for the twenty-first century
Lord Raymond Plant (King’s College, London)

Workshop and ideas sharing sessions

Religion and political economy
Dr Eve Poole (Ashridge) with Prof John Atherton & Prof Ian Steedman (William Temple Foundation)

Faith-based engagement in civil-society
Chris Mould (Trussell Trust) with Greg Smith (Evangelical Alliance/ William Temple Foundation)

New ecclesiologies & community empowerment 
Anna Thompson (Eden Network/ William Temple Foundation) with Rev Dr John Reader (William Temple Foundation)

Engaging the postsecular city
Prof Paul Cloke (Exeter) with Prof Chris Baker (William Temple Foundation)

Keynote Lecture

Religion, Government, and the Public Good
Prof Craig Calhoun (LSE) Watch preview here.

Panel debate

What role for religion in public life in contemporary Britain?

Prof Linda Woodhead (Lancaster)
Andrew Brown (The Guardian)
Prof Elaine Graham (Chester)
Imam Irfan Chishti (Rochdale Multifaith Partnership)


Followed by the book launch of John Atherton’s ‘The Wealth, Wellbeing and Inequalities of Nations: Challenging Religious Studies’ and a drinks reception.

Tickets £35 // Students £10 (limited)  Buy tickets online 

Download a full programme: Reclaiming the Public Space conference programme (PDF) and Reclaiming the Public Space conference programme (Word)

A special service will be held at William Temple Parish Church, Manchester at 4pm on Sunday 9 November. All welcome.

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