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Christians Aware January 2025 Annual Conference:

Reconciliation in a Fractured world.

Ellen Teague

The Chaplain to the Archbishop of York, spoke on ‘Dreaming a

different world’ at the Christians Aware annual conference.

Originally from South Africa, Jenny Wright, shared the African word,

‘Ubuntu’ meaning ‘humanity to others,’ and explained how her hope

is rooted in liberation theology. She suggested that the post-

apartheid Truth and Reconciliation Commission, chaired by

Archbishop Desmond Tutu from 1995, was an example of

promoting reconciliation and forgiveness after apartheid. “Merciful

justice allows us all to flourish,” she said. Telling stories and sharing

history between communities helps “to heal fractures and bind

peoples together.”

Around 60 people attended the annual ecumenical conference at

Hinsley Hall in Leeds on the theme: ‘In a Fractured World: Work for

Reconciliation towards Justice and Peace’. Anthony Reddie,

Professor of Black Theology at Oxford University spoke on

‘Reconciliation for Race and Culture.’ He told stories from his own

background to illustrate how “issues of race and class are

embedded in our culture,” but said, “I believe we are moving to a

more hopeful place.”

Jon Swales, Head of the Lighthouse Community in Leeds and an eco-activist, spoke on the theme,

‘Following Jesus in a world of climate breakdown.’ He called for the formation of “Cruciform communities,”

offering hope to a world that is “unravelling,” particularly because of the challenges of human-induced

climate change. He urged Christians “to embrace a more transformative vision,” tackling “the unholy trinity

of Capitalism, Consumerism and Individualism.” He feared ongoing denial of the climate crisis, including

denial in the Churches. “Fossil fuels bring a curse upon humanity,” he warned. He felt cruciform

communities will be compassionate to those who suffer climate extremes, particularly refugees, and

lower their carbon impact with simpler lifestyle choices. The Churches should boost work to tackle fossil

fuel production and undertake peace-making to reduce the impact of war on communities and the

environment.

Artist Adam Boulter highlighted the importance of imagination and described his art projects as

“missional”. He showed paintings produced on Advent themes for the L’Arche community, with ‘The

Journey to Bethlehem’ including a boundary wall. Other presentations included feedback on a Christians

Aware trip to Rome last November which included visiting Rome’s Anglican Centre and Methodist

Ecumenical Office as well as a papal audience. The group reported seeing US citizens crying on the

streets when they heard the result of their country’s presidential election!

Participants at the conference were very diverse - from Kenya, South Africa, Japan, Pakistan, India and

Iraq, as well as the UK. A smiling Anglican Emeritus Bishop Mano Rumalshah of Peshawar Diocese,

located on the volatile border of Pakistan and Afghanistan, said Leicester-based Christians

Aware “has given me hope over the years,” with its international outlook.

Ecumenical liturgies were diverse too, offering new hymns from Argentina, Ghana and New Zealand, as

well as popular social justice hymns. Participants prayed for readiness “to work for our world and its

people every day.” The closing Eucharist was held in the beautiful chapel of Hinsley hall.

Seminars included, ‘Interfaith work for justice and peace,’ and ‘Palestinians and Israelis come together to

work for Justice.’ A resources room included Christians Aware cards, magazines and publications

including ‘Seeking Peace in the Pacific’. There was a display of new cards for 2025. The National Justice

and Peace Network, the Lincoln Centre for Reconciliation and Columban missionaries also ran stalls.

It was a valuable weekend.