Engagement with Integrity

Twenty-five people from across PEN's four dioceses came to Saturday's seminar on 'Sharing the Faith: Engagement with Integrity'.  Stories of parish engagement were blended with theological reflection, discussion and fellowship - and information on the wealth of training resources available to congregations in multi faith contexts.  But what came across most clearly was that these congregations, their commitment and experience, is the greatest resource.  We will be posting materials from the event online soon, so that this resource is available more widely - both to others ministering in multi faith contexts, and to those whose experience of religious diversity comes mainly via the media or workplace.

The final autumn seminar, on 'Praying and Worshipping', is at the London Inter Faith Centre on the morning of Saturday 14th November.  Email Susanne Mitchell to book a place.

The picture above is taken from the Southall Group Ministry's Christmas Procession of witness

Sharing good practice

PEN's autumn seminar programme provide a unique opportunity to share good practice and discuss concerns with Christians ministering in multi faith contexts across Greater London.  The programme (details are here) has covered five key areas of ministry. The final two seminars - on Sharing the Faith and on Praying and Worshipping - will begin with a theological reflection (by Mark Poulson and Anders Bergquist respectively) and continue with local stories, information from training providers and an 'advice surgery'.

Business as usual?

Christian leaders have joined their Muslim and Jewish colleagues to say 'no' to 'business as usual' in the wake of the credit crunch.  The Guardian carries a report of this multi-faith initiative, while the Contextual Theology Centre will be co-hosting a major study day on Saturday, 12th December at St Paul's Church, Onslow Square.   Confirmed speakers include John Milbank and Luke Bretherton.  Full details here.

Faiths in London's Economy has also issued a theological response to the credit crunch, and is engaged in ongoing work on the issue.

Archbishop's sermon and talk at PEN launch

The talk and sermon given by Archbishop Rowan at the launch of PEN are now online.  Click here for the talk - a response to a study day on 'The witness of congregations in multi faith contexts' and here for the sermon.  The launch of the Network brought together those ministering in multi faith contexts across the four sponsoring dioceses.

Welcome to the PEN blog

Welcome to the new blog for the Greater London Presence and Engagement Network (PEN).  It is a sister to http://www.londonpen.org/ - a website with a more comprehensive list of resources for Christian ministry and mission in multi faith contexts.  While the main site will have an overview of all the resources available, this site will contain the latest news and events, and occasional contributions from guest bloggers.  We'd welcome your feedback on both sites!  Contact us at pen@theology-centre.org