York lecture explores the place of religion in political life

Lord Bhikhu Parekh, Emeritus professor of Political Philosophy at Universities of Hull and Westminster will be visiting York St John University on 13 February to deliver a lecture on ‘The place of religion in political life’.

Lord Bhikhu Parekh is author of several widely acclaimed books in political philosophy and has received many honours including the BBC’s Special Lifetime Achievement Award, a Distinguished Thinker Award from India International Centre in Delhi and the Isaiah Berlin Prize for Lifetime Contribution to Political Philosophy

Commenting on his lecture, Lord Bhikhu Parekh said “Religion cannot be excluded from political life, nor should it be. But it can also cause havoc and undermine civilised life. This lecture discusses the havoc and limits of its political role.”

The 2012-13 Ebor lectures are organised by York St John University, York Minster, York Institute for Community Theology, The Churches Regional Commission and the Methodist Church.

Since launching in 2006, the lecture series has established an enviable reputation with prestigious speakers, promoting debate on topical issues and broadening discussion. 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.