BIAMS Conference
Marginalisation and the Reign of God
Tuesday 2 October 2012 10.30am-4pm
Redcliffe will be hosting the 2012 British and Irish Association of Mission Studies conference on the theme of Marginalisation and the Reign of God. Speakers include Dr Hugh Kemp, Head of Mission Studies at Redcliffe, and Deaconess Dr Evie Vernon, director of the Selly Oak Centre for Mission Studies.
The New Testament places the ministry and preaching of Jesus among those who are on the margins of both religious and civil society. It is here the the Reign of God seems to be located. Through the embrace of the marginalised, Jesus showed that they are at the heart of God's concern.
The Church, by doing the same, gives living expression to/ incarnates what Jesus did. In following the example of Jesus, the Church also bears witness to what the Reign of God, in its fullness, is about.
In other words, if the Church is to be a sign of the Kingdom, then it must be associated with those not deemed to be at the 'centre' by virtue of their economic status, their education, race, gender, orientation, colour or health. If the church is supposed to be the a continual embodiment of Christ in society, then it needs to identify with migrants, with the economically dispossesed, minority groups, those on the margins such as drug-pushers, with those marginalised by/ in society as well as by/ in church.
In serving the missio Dei, should the Church be known for its work with those on the margins as well as living in solidarity with them?
This conference will explore the many issues and questions that arise from the perspectives of biblical studies, mission studies and theology.
Cost and to book
The day costs £20 for BIAMS members, £25 for non-members and £15 for students and OAPs.
To book, please download the booking form below and return to Polly Keen, Secretary, BIAMS, Westminster College, Cambridge, CB3 0AA.
Closing date for bookings is 17 September 2012
Booking form
Directions to Redcliffe College
BIAMS Prize for Mission Studies
Post-graduate students (MA, PhD or equivalent) are invited to enter the BIAMS essay competition by submitting a paper on a theme within the field of mission studies.
The prize for the winning essay is £150 and additional prizes of £50 may be awarded. Papers of an appropriate standard may be published. Students shortlisted will present their papers at the conference on 2 October.
Entries must be submitted by 31 July 2012 to the BIAMS Office, Henry Martyn Centre, Westminster College, Cambridge CB3 0AA
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