The Centre for the Study of Religious and Cultural Diversity at Newbold College, staged a conference, "Understanding Difference: Building communities in a diverse modern world," from July 23 to July 26.
The Centre for the Study of Religious and Cultural Diversity at Newbold College, staged a conference, “Understanding Difference: Building communities in a diverse modern world,” from July 23 to July 26.
Visiting guest speakers from England and overseas spoke on a wide range of issues that are currently impacting society. Professor Jurgen Nielsen, from the University of Birmingham, examined the Muslim influence in modern European society. Beverly Ruddock, member of the Synod of the Church of England, discussed the strategies used by Anglicans to resolve recent controversial issues of difference. Professor Richard Bonney, from the University of Leicester, looked at the Asian experience in Leicester and Dr. John Wolffe, from the Open University, looked at the way ethnic minorities have been represented on great state occasions in Britain.
These speakers provided insights that complemented those offered by Adventist speakers. Among them, Dr. Jeffery Brown, from Oakwood College, spoke of the place of repentance, reconciliation and reparation, and Pastor David Savalani spoke of the Sikh experience in Britain. Victoria Jackson, from Loma Linda University, examined ways of promoting racial harmony in a global church. Fiona Peart, from Bury College, considered the effect of EU legislation on the administration of diversity.
Dr. Andrea Luxton, associate director of the world church’s education department, offered ways of guarding against cultural stereotyping in institutions. Public Affairs and Religious Liberty department specialist James Standish looked at some legal perspectives while Dr. Bert Beach looked at principles for pursuing evangelism in a multi-faith context.
