Combining creativity, debate, stories of political activism and practical action, poetry and prayer, 'Re-Imagining the Promised Land', Green Christian's free Online Festival, will held via Zoom from 23 - 25 October.
"Both the COVID-19 pandemic and the ecological crisis call us to move forward beyond established certainties, to re-imagine a better future – and this is at the heart of our Christian faith", said Deborah Tomkins, Co-chair, Green Christian.
The festival begins with a panel discussion: 'Re-imagining a better future', featuring Bishop James Jones, Cleo Lake (Green Councillor, former Lord Mayor of Bristol), Melanie Nazareth of Christian Climate Action and environmentalist and green business leader Sir Jonathon Porritt.
On Saturday, Anglican priest and writer, the Rev Dr Frances Ward will explore how ancient Christian spiritualities of "unknowing" can set us free to commit radically to this present moment, and to find the promised land that lies beneath our feet.
Other workshops will explore both practical and political action, featuring Rebecca Willis, expert lead at Citizens Assembly UK and Rachel Mander, Faith Outreach Officer at Hope for the Future, the UK’s national specialist in climate lobbying.
"All the solutions we need to address today's climate emergency already exist. But we are close to passing 'the point of no return'. What's lacking is political will – and the solution to that is also in our own hands", said Sir Jonathon Porritt, festival panellist and Green Christian Patron. He continued, "I’m really looking forward to being part of Green Christian's Festival to explore different dimensions of today’s Climate Emergency, and what it means for us all from a personal and moral perspective."
Above all, says Green Christian, the festival offers a chance to dream and imagine. Rob Hopkins, founder of the Transition movement will be giving a presentation and setting some imaginative challenges. An interactive evening exploring poetry and environmental activism, with readings and discussion from eco-poets Caleb Parkin, Bristol’s City Poet, and Carrie Etter, Reader in Creative Writing at Bath Spa University.
"Imagination is central to empathy, to creating better lives, to envisioning and then enacting a positive future. If there was ever a time when we needed that ability, it is now." said Rob Hopkins.
This Zoom event is free of charge, though donations through Green Christian's website here are welcome to cover costs.
* See the detailed programme here
* Book through Eventbrite here
* Green Christian https://greenchristian.org.uk/
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