Faith in Social Action: Where Next?

Faith in Social Action: Where Next?

A day conference for faith based practitioners, third sector leaders, researchers and policy makers

Hosted by Third Sector Research Centre, University of Birmingham, the Faith based Regeneration Network and the Edward Cadbury Centre for the Public Understanding of Religion

Please note: We are holding back the last few places to allocate directly. Please register on the waitlist and we will be in touch with you personally.

10.30 – 3.30 Tuesday 24th May 2016

University of Westminster, Cavendish Campus, 115 New Cavendish Street, London, W1W 6UW

Faith based social action faces a number of critical challenges in terms of both policy and practice. Faith organisations may have finite resources in terms of finances and time, but are confronted with increasing demands for services. They are, politically, expected to do more – but say less; to deliver on integration and cohesion agendas; to enhance community health and well-being and deliver asset based neighbourhood development.

These expectations, from within faith groups and beyond, raise a number of important questions for the future of faith based social action. What is the role of faith as the welfare state is ‘rolled back’? Can responses to community needs be sustained in the context of long term austerity measures? Can they deliver social justice – or simply fill the welfare gap? Can they deliver on integration in increasingly super-diverse localities?

This event will also see the launch of “Belief in Social Action? Exploring faith groups’ responses to local needs” This will be an active participatory event with short keynote presentations and an emphasis on group discussion looking to the future of faith based social action.

Confirmed Speakers

Heather Buckingham Edward Cadbury Centre for the Public Understanding of Religion, University of Birmingham

Prof. Adam Dinham Director of the Faiths and Civil Society Unit, Goldsmiths, University of London

Angus McCabe Third Sector Research Centre, University of Birmingham

Steve Miller Faith Based Regeneration Network

Multi-faith activists panel

This event is free and refreshments/lunch will be provided. Places are, however, limited so early booking is advised.

Closing date: Monday 16th May 2016

For further information about the day contact – stevemiller@fbrn.org.uk or a.j.mccabe@bham.ac.uk

We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Barrow Cadbury Trust and the University of Westminster