The evening of Thursday 8th May, 2007, witnessed the formal opening of the Durham Centre for Catholic Studies and the Bede Chair of Catholic Theology with a free public lecture by Prof. David F. Ford of the University of Cambridge on the theme ‘The Case for Catholic Theology in a Twenty-first Century University’. The event marked the beginning of a short international conference, 8- 10th May, on the theme ‘Catholic Theology and the Public Academy’. The whole event included celebratory dinners in St Chad’s College and the Cathedral Undercroft respectively and a second free public lecture by the well known local sculptor, Fenwick Lawson, on the theological themes in his much loved work.
Other speakers included: Tina Beattie, Gavin D’Costa, Eamon Duffy, David Ford, Paul Griffiths, Karen Kilby, Michael Kirwan, S.J., Paul Lakeland, Nicholas Lash, Gerard Loughlin, Andrew Louth, John Milbank, Francesca Murphy, Paul D Murray, Peter Phillips, Marcus Pound.
For a copy of the program click below:
- Program (PDF)
- Program (Word)
- “Message on the occasion of the Launch of the Bede Chair in Catholic Theology, Durham University“ H.E Cardinal Walter Kasper, President of the pontifical Council for Promoting Christain Unity.
- The Vision for the Centre Opening Address by Dr. Paul D. Murray.
- For photographs of the recent conference click here
- The Bede Chair Address by Father Chris Jackson at the Sponsors Reception on behalf of the Dioscesan Trustees.
- The Sisters of Mercy (Oaklea) A brief address by Sr Aelred on behalf of The Sisters of Mercy, at the Sponsors’ reception.
Program of Events
Thursday 8th May
3:00 — Registration, Debating Chamber, Palace Green
5:30 — Formal Opening of the Durham Centre for Catholic Studies
6:00 — Public Lecture, Debating Chamber, Palace Green
- Prof. David F Ford, University of Cambridge
‘The Case for Catholic Theology in a Twenty-first Century University’
7:45 — Drinks, St Chad’s College Quad
8:15 — Formal Dinner, St Chad’s College Dining Room
- with after-dinner speech by Prof. Eamon Duffy, University of Cambridge
Friday 9th May
7:30 — Mass (followed by simple breakfast for congregation), St Cuthbert’s RC Church, Old Elvet
9:00 — Session I, PG20, Pemberton Building, Palace Green
- Prof. Gavin D’Costa, University of Bristol
“Catholics Study or Catholic Studies: The Difference in the University” - Dr. M Pound, Durham University
‘Catholic Theology and the Vernacular University’
11:00 — Session II, PG20, Pemberton Building, Palace Green
- Dr. Karen Kilby, University of Nottingham
‘Commitment, Detachment and Academic Theology’ - Prof. Paul Lakeland, Fairfield University
‘Theology and the Academy in Dialogue: Sacramental Paideia and The Liberal Arts’
12:30 — Buffet Lunch in the Senate Suit, Durham Castle
1:50 — Session III, PG20, Pemberton Building, Palace Green
- Prof. Paul Griffiths, Duke Divinity School
‘Why Theology Should Find the Public Academy Inhospitable’ - Prof. Gerard Loughlin, Durham University
Title TBA
3:50 — Session IV, PG20, Pemberton Building, Palace Green
- Rev. Dr. Peter Phillips, Diocese of Shrewsbury
‘Creative Engagements: Catholic Studies and the English Universities.’
5:15 — Evensong at Durham Cathedral
6:00 — Public Lecture, Pièta, East End of the Nave & Priors’ Hall
- Fenwick Lawson, Associate of the Royal College of Art
‘3-D Theology: The Sculptor on His Work..’
7:30 — Reception, Cloister, Durham Cathedral
8:00 — Dinner, Durham Cathedral, Undercroft Restaurant
Saturday 10th May
7:30 — Mass (followed by simple breakfast for congregation), St Cuthbert’s RC Church, Old Elvet
9:00 — Session V, PG20, Pemberton Building, Palace Green
- Prof. John Milbank, University of Nottingham
‘Faith, Reason and Imagination: the Study of Theology and Philosophy in the 21st Century.’
11:00 — Round Table discussion, PG20, Pemberton Building, Palace Green
- Dr. Tina Beattie, Roehampton University
- Dr. Michael Kirwan SJ, Heythrop College
- Prof. Nicholas Lash, University of Cambridge (Emeritus)
- Prof. Andrew Louth, Durham University
- Dr. Francesca Aran Murphy, University of Aberdeen
12:30 — Buffet Lunch, Priors Hall, Durham Cathedral
1.30 — Close