Lincoln Lecture: Our unstable economic system must change

Lincoln Cathedral

The current 'cost of living crisis' has affected households across Britain but it doesn't have to be this way, Adrian Pabst, Professor of Politics at the University of Kent, will argue in an upcoming public lecture.

The economic model of the last forty years is becoming increasingly unstable with our most vulnerable communities taking the brunt of the latest crisis. Economic reform is often discussed, but there has been little sign of the political vision or the will to bring forward practical, deliverable solutions that foster human flourishing.

In his lecture, Adrian Pabst will highlight how economic crises, such as the winter of discontent, the financial crash of 2008, along with the current cost of living crisis, are all rooted in the failures of our current economic model, whilst advocating for a new approach to build an economy for the common good.

Adrian Pabst, Professor of Politics at the University of Kent, said: "The current economic system has consistently delivered a cycle of boom and bust, built on debt and speculation rather than growing assets and generating enduring value. If we stick with this model, we will end up with an ever-greater concentration of wealth and power and the commodification of everyday life. A new model is possible that can break the cycle of conflict between capital and labour and instead work towards the common good."
"There is nothing utopian about this. It's realistic and can make a systemic difference to the economy by embedding the market in relationships and civic institutions at the local, regional, national and international levels."

Adrian Pabst will be speaking on 'Just Economy? How should the economy be reordered to work for the common good?', the latest lecture in the prestigious Lincoln Lecture Series exploring how Christian social teaching can be a blessing to public life and discourse.

This lecture is the fifth in the Lincoln Lecture Series, which is being delivered in partnership between Together for the Common Good, Lincoln Cathedral and CCLA.

Readers can book their free ticket by following this link: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/common-good-lecture-5-just-economy-tickets-629838222077

Jenny Sinclair, Founder and Director of Together for the Common Good, said: "Churches are responding to the cost of living crisis by offering emergency support to struggling families which is both admirable and necessary. But it does not generate the systemic change required to prevent situations like this from occurring regularly. Churches should also be strongly advocating for an economy that really delivers for the common good."

"Adrian Pabst is among the leading figures seeding a growing cross-party consensus around economic and civic renewal and is well-placed to provide first-hand insight into the reform required. His contribution is both timely and practical, showing what really can be achieved."

The Revd Canon Dr Simon Jones, Interim Dean of Lincoln, said: "The common good was a quinquennial goal of the Church of England between 2005 and 2010, helping to shape the Church's engagement in civic and political life. This social mission continues, which is why Lincoln Cathedral is delighted to partner with Together for the Common Good and CCLA to deliver the Lincoln Lecture Series, which will help to shape our social engagement by exploring both Anglican Social Theology and Catholic Social Teaching."

Further lectures are planned in the series.

Jon Cruddas MP will deliver a lecture on 11th July 2023 covering the theme 'Just Working? Why the dignity of work is at the heart of the new politics for the common good.'

Professor Alison Millbank will deliver a lecture on 17th October 2023 on the theme 'Just World? How does God call us to balance the interests of people and planet? Drawing on Catholic Social Teaching, what is the common good approach to the conflicting interests of environmental crisis and social injustice?'

Previous speakers have included Jenny Sinclair, Lord Maurice Glasman, Edward Hadas and Revd Dr Malcom Brown.
Recordings of previous lectures are available at: www.togetherforthecommongood.co.uk/news/lincoln-lecture-series