William Temple Foundation

Ahead of the forthcoming consultation Faith, Belief and Nation-building, we’re asking some of the participants a few quick-fire questions to give you a flavour of their interests and thoughts…

Elaine Graham is Grosvenor Research Professor of Practical Theology at the University of Chester

What have you been working on recently?

Ideas of public theology as a form of Christian apologetics.

Why did you accept the invitation to Malvern 2017: Faith, Belief and Nation-building?

I would like to participate in discussions about the role of faith in public life and how we can furnish social policy and politics with new and invigorating ideas.

What are you looking forward to about the conference?

Stimulating discussion and serious thought.

As you know, the consultation takes its name from the conference of 1941, instigated and convened by Archbishop William Temple…

What do you think has been the most positive change in British society since 1941?

The development of the welfare state

What do you think has been the most negative change in British society since 1941?

The dismantling of the welfare state

Why is it important that the role of faith and belief be a part of the conversation about nation-building?

Because religion isn’t going away … it needs to be part of a mature and long-term process of thinking about priorities and what sort of society we want to be.

Thanks Elaine!

You can find out more about Elaine’s work here, and more information about Malvern 2017: Faith, Belief and Nation-building by following this link.

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