Christians Aware: Reconciliation in "a fractured world"

Adam Boulter

The Chaplain to the Archbishop of York, spoke on 'Dreaming a different world' at the Christians Aware annual conference last weekend. Originally from South Africa, Jenny Wright, shared the African word, 'Ubuntu' meaning 'humanity to others,' and explained how her hope is rooted in liberation theology. She suggested that the post-apartheid Truth and Reconciliation Commission, chaired by Archbishop Desmond Tutu from 1995, was an example of promoting reconciliation and forgiveness after apartheid. "Merciful justice allows us all to flourish," she said. Telling stories and sharing history between communities helps "to heal fractures and bind peoples together."

Around 60 people attended Christian Aware's annual ecumenical conference last weekend at Hinsley Hall in Leeds on the theme: 'In a Fractured World: Work for Reconciliation towards Justice and Peace'. Speaker Anthony Reddie, Professor of Black Theology at Oxford University spoke on 'Reconciliation for Race and Culture.' He told stories from his own background to illustrate how "issues of race and class are embedded in our culture," but said, "I believe we are moving to a more hopeful place."

Jon Swales, Head of the Lighthouse Community in Leeds and an eco-activist, spoke on the theme, 'Following Jesus in a world of climate breakdown.' He called for the formation of "Cruciform communities," offering hope to a world that is "unravelling," particularly because of the challenges of human-induced climate change. He urged Christians "to embrace a more transformative vision," tackling "the unholy trinity of Capitalism, Consumerism and Individualism." He feared ongoing denial of the climate crisis, including denial in the Churches. "Fossil fuels bring a curse upon humanity," he warned. He felt cruciform communities will be compassionate to those who suffer climate extremes, particularly refugees, and lower their carbon impact with simpler lifestyle choices. The Churches should boost work to tackle fossil fuel production and undertake peacemaking to reduce the impact of war on communities and the environment.

Artist Adam Boulter highlighted the importance of Imagination and described his art projects as "missional". He showed paintings produced on Advent themes for the L'Arche community, with 'The Journey to Bethlehem' including a boundary wall. Other presentations included feedback on a Christians Aware trip to Rome last November which included visiting Rome's Anglican Centre and Methodist Ecumenical Office as well as a papal audience. The group reported seeing US citizens crying on the streets when they heard the result of their country's presidential election!

Participants at the conference were very diverse - from Kenya, South Africa, Japan, Pakistan and Iraq, as well as the UK. A smiling Anglican Emeritus Bishop Mano Rumalshah of Peshawar Diocese, located on the volatile border of Pakistan and Afghanistan, said Leicester-based Christians Aware "has given me hope over the years," with its international outlook.

Ecumenical liturgies were diverse too, offering new hymns from Argentina, Ghana and New Zealand, as well as popular social justice hymns such as 'God of the poor' by Graham Kendrick, 'Christ be our light' by Bernadette Farrell and 'The Summons' by John Bell and Graham Maule. Participants prayed for readiness "to work for our world and its people every day."

Seminars included, 'Interfaith work for justice and peace,' and 'Palestinians and Israelis come together to work for Justice.' A resources room included Christians Aware cards and publications such as 'Rooted in Hope: A Christians Aware Resource towards building biodiversity' and 'Seeking Peace in the Pacific'. The National Justice and Peace Network and Columban missionaries also ran stalls.

In July, Christians Aware will be running their annual Summer School at Parcevall Hall in the Yorkshire Dales with a focus on 'developing a lifestyle for the health of people, the natural world and the entire Earth itself.' Before that, there is a pilgrimage to Assisi in May.

LINK

Christians Aware: www.christiansaware.co.uk/