New series of Ebor lectures launches with acclaimed US speaker and author Dr Tony Campolo

The new series of Ebor lectures begins with a lecture by acclaimed US speaker and author Dr Tony Campolo, on Thursday 5 September at York Minster.

The free lecture entitled ‘Am I my brother’s keeper? Free enterprise, democracy and our moral obligation to the poor’ is part of a series of six Ebor lectures on ‘The morality of austerity’, which seek to evaluate economic austerity from a theological and moral perspective.

Dr Tony Campolo has boldly challenged millions of people all over the world to respond to issues of social justice. He is a founder of the Red Letter Christian movement, an evangelical organisation which believes that social action and evangelism go hand in hand. Dr Campolo is professor emeritus of sociology at Eastern University, a former faculty member at the University of Pennsylvania, and the founder and president of the Evangelical Association for the Promotion of Education (EADE).

Speaking prior to his lecture, Dr Campolo said:
“Economic forces exercise awesome influences on human behaviour and on institutional structures, so it is no surprise that Jesus addresses economic issues more than any of other social issues in His preaching.”

The 2013-14 Ebor lectures are organised by York St John University, York Minster, York Institute for Community Theology, the Order of Carmelites, CRC (Churches Regional Commission for Yorkshire and the Humber) 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; Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregation of the Commonwealth, Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks; and the Rt Hon Baroness Scotland QC, former Attorney General.