The Ballymena Church Members Forum ‘Autumn Conversations’ are a series of conversations being led by Rev Dr Johnston McMaster. They will take place in The Old School House, Gracehill, Ballymena on four Wednesday evenings during November and December 2017. Starting time each evening is 7:30pm.
‘Autumn Conversations’ – Engaging with politics for the common good.
The schedule is as follows:
Wednesday 8th November 2017 – Building the Common Good and Equality.
Wednesday 15th November 2017 – Equality or Public Justice?
Wednesday 6th December 2017 – Is a Common Good Possible in a Contested Society?
Wednesday 13th December 2017 – Where Do We Go Now?
Ballymena Church Members Forum ‘Autumn Conversations’
Forum Chairperson, Jennifer McLernon explaining the rationale behind these seminars to The Church Page.
“We have been told that recent elections have changed the political landscape for good. If that is true, we will be required to change the way we relate in community as well. As citizens and members of society we have social responsibilities. Democracy is more than just voting in elections. It is active engagement with those elected, through dialogue and sharing of ideas and vision. This should then enable legislation and implementation of positive policies affecting Health & Social Services, Education, Infrastructure and so on.”
Jennifer went on to say,
“Three important ideas that emerged in the Assembly elections last Spring are “Common Good”, “Equality”, and “Democracy”. Faith communities have values around each of these issues that can be publicly voiced though not imposed; can be understood, articulated and applied. Our conversations will explore these ideas in order to help us engage with our political representatives and together build a society which will reflect the Common Good, Equality and a healthy, active Democracy.”
“It would be great if you could plan to come to these meetings and bring along as many of your friends as possible.”
For more information on the Ballymena Church Members Forum, you can visit their website here. Also find them on Facebook here.
