Events

Précis of talks-

'The Human Person and the Meaning of Development'  - Rev Dr James Hanvey (Theological Consultant, Catholic Bishops’ Conference)

Caritas in Veritate begins with recalling and developing the idea of integral human development first set out in Populorum Progressio. How we understand the human person is critical for how we understand development. If we see the person only in terms of their material development we only impoverish them and limit their capacities. The Church brings a unique and rich understanding which questions this and offers a perceptive and creative alternative vision which can produce a more comprehensive practical approach. In addition, this vision of the integral nature of the human person allows for an account of the social and cultural reality and how our political, economic, civil and religious activities can work together in the service of human flourishing. This introductory presentation will explore what the Encyclical has to “a world in need of profound cultural renewal, a world that needs to rediscover fundamental values on which to build a better future”. (CV 21)

Download an MP3 recording of Fr James Hanvey's talk - Part 1 / Part 2

'The Environment and Generational Justice' - Mary Colwell (TV Radio Producer & Consultant on Faith and the Environment)

Caritas in Veritate places environmental responsibility at the heart of justice and links care for the natural world to development. It addresses the need for a Christian approach to the sharing of resources and states that the earth is not just for our selfish use - “Nature is at our disposal not as “a heap of scattered refuse” but as a gift of the Creator who has given it an inbuilt order, enabling man to draw from it the principles needed in order “to till it and keep it” (Gen 2:15)”. This session will reflect on a Catholic view of nature that is far deeper and richer than the earth as provider of resources, and as humanity as stewards and gardeners. The natural world is the source of many things that are uniquely human such as awe, wonder, creativity, humility and the search for scientific truth. What does the encyclical mean by a “human ecology” and have we understood the urgency of what an acceptance of that means?

Click here for transcipt of Mary Colwell's talk 

Download an MP3 recording of Mary Colwell's talk - Part 1 / Part 2

'The Modern Economy and its Moral Structure' - Councillor Michael Adam

This session will look into the economic and political causes as well as the consequences of the global economic crisis. What is the public’s attitude to concepts such as globalisation and free market? What is the Catholic thinking in relation to the modern economy and what is the encyclical’ s view on these very important issues? Finally, we will explore the Church’s historical attitude to the market and the challenges of globalisation and secularism that this has evoked. This session hopes to bring Caritas in Veritate into practice.

Click here for a transcript of Mike Adam's talk 

Download an MP3 recording of Michael Adam's talk - Part 1 / Part 2

'The Challenge of Human Solidarity' - Rev. Dr. Stephen Wang (Dean of Studies, Allen Hall)

Pope Benedict writes about how we are defined by our relationships with each other, and how we are not meant to live in isolation. There are so many levels at which human solidarity can be deepened: within the family, within society, across generations, and across cultures. But relationships can also become strained or broken, through human weakness or through the pressures of contemporary society. This plenary session will explore the meaning of solidarity as it is presented in the encyclical.

Download an MP3 recording of Fr Stephen Wang's talk - Part 1 / Part 2

Rt Rev. Terence J Brain (Bishop of Salford) opened the day with a welcome and reflection followed by talks from the four speakers and a question and answer session.

If you have any questions about the day, please contact Lesley Versprille on 0207 901 4833 or email lesley.versprille@cbcew.org.uk