Leeds Church Institute

By far, one of the best books I've read on restorative practice in schools. Thank you Paul Dix for your talent, honesty and insight. A Church of England school leader in #Leeds working within a societal tapestry of deprivation, marginalisation and #SEND gave me this book and said it would align with my #art #theology practice and case study on the 'Chair of Sanctuary' Can't wait to mention this in my catch up with Dr Lisa Stephenson when we discuss the role of #creative #pedagogies #hospitality #welcome #spirituality #theology and #belonging

How do we turn key moments in our society into ongoing movements for change? Anti-racism must be built into church life, so that we can proactively respond with solidarity in times of crisis. Richard Reddie's article in the latest issue of City Theology feels timely this week. Read the full article here: https://buff.ly/3WZZyob

Does disability exist in heaven? Are there any Bible characters who could be viewed as neurodivergent? It was fantastic to be involved in the fringe event 'A Neurodivergent Way of Life' at Methodist Conference this year. You can catch the panel discussion on our YouTube channel now https://buff.ly/3YxPwgb Thanks MC Online Events for recording!

Thomas Jay Oord is coming to Leeds! We've been loving this book over the last few years at LCI, and it's informed a lot of our work on Friendship in the city. The philosophical theologian has recently been on trial in his church for supporting LGBTQ+ affirming theology. He advocates an 'open and relational' approach to Christianity which says that the God who is love experiences what we experience, feels our pain and sadness, and is not able to control our actions. Our friends at PCN Britain and Student Christian Movement are hosting Oord for a live podcast interview at the Emmanuel Centre on 14th August, as part of his Yorkshire tour before he heads to Greenbelt festival later this month. Will we see you there? Register for your place here: https://buff.ly/468V5mX

Huge congratulations to Dan today! It's fantastic to know our City Theology magazine is produced by a Doctor of Story - helping us to tell stories of faith in conversation with the city. Keep an eye out for our next issue coming soon! 📖

"I will cast my vote for the political party I believe will stand up against hatred, discrimination, harassment and prejudice and work towards principles of solidarity and the common good." Faith and Creativity Lead Bronagh Daly reflects on casting her vote today in our latest blog. Read more: Election Day 2024: My vote of faith for a culture of belonging https://buff.ly/4csbntI

This #RefugeeWeek, find out more about our Christian call to hospitality and sanctuary for all with last year's Hook Lecture from Revd Dr Inderjit Bhogal, founder of the @CityofSanctuary movement 🧡 Watch the full talk here: https://buff.ly/4chRlBC

Today is the anniversary of the publication of Pope Francis' Laudato si' encyclical in 2015. Listen back to Carmody Grey's Hook Lecture to learn why we must make a rapid ecological conversion to care for creation #climatechange #integralecology #laudatosi https://buff.ly/3VtGA8r

It's #RefugeeWeek! 🧡 We're hosting a special Cake Coffee and Conversation this week on the topic of Sanctuary. Join the LCI community to chat theology - and share a brew! Thursday 11am at the LCI office, 43 The Calls. Let us know you'll be there: https://buff.ly/3KF9Cgu

What does our faith say about disability? Find out what disability theology could mean for you in our five week online course. We're running each session twice - Tuesdays are only for people who identify as Disabled, Thursdays are open to all. Beginning 25th and 27th June. Sign up now to secure your place! https://buff.ly/3UJxzce