Archbishops’ Council director to give Ebor Lecture

The Rev Dr Malcolm Brown, director of mission and public affairs for the Archbishops' Council of the Church of England, will be the guest speaker at the next Ebor lecture on Wednesday 13 June at York St John University.

His lecture, entitled ‘'Moral Communities in a Society of Strangers: turning social theories into practical politics', will assess the new strands of communitarian thinking on both left and right of the political spectrum, suggesting how Christian theology might shed useful light on the challenge of strengthening communities within a plural culture in the context of this year’s series theme, ‘The Good Society? Re-invigorating Public Life’.

In his current role, the Rev Dr Brown leads a team that addresses the church’s interest in policy, ethics and political developments, supporting the work of the church in its relationship with local communities across the country. 

He has been a parish priest in rural and inner city areas and has taught Christian ethics at several universities, most recently in the Cambridge Theological Federation.  He has a particular interest in ethics and political economy and is leading the Church of England's national engagement with ministers and others on The Big Society.  His most recent book is: Tensions in Christian Ethics (London: SPCK, 2010). 

The 2011-12 Ebor lectures are organised by York St John University, York Minster, The Order of Carmelites, The Churches Regional Commission for Yorkshire & the Humber, York Institute for Community Theology and The Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

Since their launch in 2006, the Lectures have established an enviable reputation with prestigious speakers, promoting debate on topical issues and broadening discussion. Held annually, past speakers have included the Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; the Rt Revd. and the Rt Hon Richard Harries, Former Bishop of Oxford; Mr Peter Taylor, journalist and BBC Presenter; Dr Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury; Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York; Robert Peston, the BBC’s Business Editor; the Rt Hon Tony Benn, legendary parliamentarian; and Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregation of the Commonwealth, Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks.

Admission by ticket only begins at 6.30pm, and the lectures start at 7.00pm. Each lecture is followed by a short question and answer session with an anticipated end time of 8.30pm. Tickets are free and can be booked online at www.yorksj.ac.uk/eborlectures or by contacting the Ebor Lectures Co-ordinator on T: 01904 876474 or E: eborlectures@yorksj.ac.uk