

Modern
Church
is pleased announce
its annual conference with the theme
“The Earth is the Lord’s:
Renewing the Covenant of Creation”
15 to 18 July 2013 at High Leigh Conference Centre.
This
conference, chaired by Dr Margaret Barker, will explore what the
Bible says about the creation, based on the most fundamental [and
most neglected] idea of the eternal covenant which binds all
creation and human society
into one God-given system.
Further
information can be found at
www.modernchurch.org.uk/conference/2013.htm
or
phone Christine Alker on 0845 345 1909
WINDERMERE READING PARTY
May 13-16th 2013
LEAVING ALEXANDRIA
Richard Holloway's Leaving Alexandria is a hugely powerful memoir tracing his religious life through various phases: conservative, Catholic, Charismatic, Liberal, to the point where he resigned as Bishop of Edinburgh and declared his non-belief.
There is some insightful criticism of the Church: "The problem for the church in the 20th century was that many of the pressures for human emancipation were coming from the secular rather than the religious sphere"; "The church can never just do the right thing because it is the right thing to do; it has to find religious reasons for doing it".
Holloway's objection to religion is not to the beliefs it involves - unlike evangelical rationalists, he is happy to leave people believing whatever they like as long as they can't inflict their faith on others. But he rightly rejects the claims of religious institutions to define and possess the truth: "Religions may begin as vehicles of longing for mysteries beyond description but they end up claiming exclusive prescriptive rights to them"
Free to Believe has organized a reading party at the URC Windermere Centre from May 13-16th 2013 to reflect on this challenging and profound book. Richard will be present for around half the time, both talking about how he came to write the book and answering questions.
The Conference will be £180 (deposit £30) and bookings should be made direct to
The Windermere Centre,
NB This event is now full. A recording will be
available later in the summer
(check the Conference CDs page)
Reports from the Free To Believe 2012
Conference
'Beyond Our Wildest Imaginings - Making Real the Love of God'
with Bishop Gene Robinson and Revd Dr David Peel

Comments received by e-mail following the conference:
Thank you for such a
wonderful conference. As a first timer I felt included, and so many were
friendly and welcoming. And what a first conference to attend! It was fantastic! I thoroughly enjoyed both Gene
and David; I stand in awe of
This was my first FTB conference: I had a BRILLIANT time. I certainly plan to be at the Windermere event and will book at the earliest opportunity.
It was really inspiring for me. Especially Bishop Robinson. He was very enlightening.
My first Conference with FTB was an inspiration! A really great, provocative and inspiring conference. We feel so much refreshed and invigorated by your organisation and all those we met.
It was a memorable occasion and the worship was very much for me the highlight of the conference.
On the whole a great conference. I came away inspired by so much, not the least of which was Kate and Elizabeth’s contributions. Those who came from my churches for the first time were full of it and had a very positive experience.
A very encouraging occasion; it was a joy.
The Conference was excellent. At long last some people who think like I do!
It was a most successful conference, and one I enjoyed. That's because the people attending were on my wavelength. Thanks for all your work on the conference - it was certainly worth it!
An excellent conference, I'm so glad I came!
What a wonderful three days. We are so motivated by the experience and had that surge of enthusiasm that comes occasionally. The commitment to be confident prophets of love in our churches is really an inspiration.
Thank you for the excellent conference - it has given me lots of inspiration. It was the most theologically stimulating 2 days I've spent in a long time
More detailed reports and pictures here

chris.avis1@tiscali.co.uk