A Common Endeavour - Liverpool Hope University - 1st February 2011
In November 2010, the Bishops' of England and Wales issued a call to deeper social engagement in which the Catholic community would be enabled to 'contribute as fully as possible to the new culture of responsibility called for by Pope Benedict XVI and the Prime Minister in his farewell speech at the end of the Papal Visit'. The conference at Liverpool Hope University, 'A Common Endeavour', was considered as the first major step in a programme to 're-imagine and re-invigorate' the work of the Catholic community in England and Wales. The event brought together 180 delegates from across the dioceses, and other independent agencies and projects, who are engaged in broad range of social action. It was an opportunity to reflect on our work in the light of Catholic Social Teaching and to identify the opportunities and challenges that may present themselves from the present social and economic context.
Delegates were welcomed by the Archbishop of Liverpool, Most Rev Patrick Kelly whose opening address placed the conference in the context of Liverpool's past, present and future. The Archbishop of Westminster, Most Rev Vincent Nichols, spoke of the yearning of a richer community life 'characterised by stronger social bonds and a greater acceptance of our mutual responsibilites'. The Archbishop emphasised the urgency and necessity of the 'project' and urged that 'if it is to suceed, this project must be taken beyond party politics to become a common endeavour owned by society as a whole'.
Chaired by Mgr John Devine, of the North-West Forum of Faiths, the event also featured contributions from CSAN's Chief Executive, Helen O'Brien, who presented a current picture of social action engaged in by the Catholic community, former MP John Battle and Rev James Hanvey, theological adviser to the Bishops' Conference. Most Rev Peter Smith, Archbishop of Southwark, gave the closing address.
The conference is part of a longer process of examination and reflection on the social action undertaken by the Catholic community and of constructing wider dialogue with the Government, Civil Service and civil society. Initial actions agreed include-
2011 Surveys
Subject to securing sufficient funding, surveys to gather information about emerging social needs within local communities, and the contribution currently being made by the Church.
Action
Practical action led by Caritas Social Action Network, to identify ways in which we can better assist local initiatives and promote the further engagement of the Catholic community at every level.
Major Conference
Looking forward to a major conference to draw together the results of this work, the progress made, and the challenges then facing us.
Links
Read the addresses by Archbishop Patrick Kelly and Archbishop Vincent Nichols. Read more about the event on the Bishops' Conference web site.
Read the Bishops' statement 'A Call to Deeper Social Engagement'.
View pictures of the event on Flickr
