Individuals interested in the intersections of theology and sustainability are invited to Gustavus Adolphus College Jan. 21-23, when the college will simulcast Trinity Institute’s 39th National Theological Conference. This year’s conference is titled Radical Abundance: A Theology of Sustainability.
While the conference will take place in New York City, Gustavus will serve as a regional partner site, which have been established throughout the United States and Canada to enable groups to participate through a live simulcast. Gustavus is one of two regional partner sites in the state of Minnesota, with the other being Luther Seminary in St. Paul.
This year’s conference will explore sustainability through the lens of liberation theology, which views Jesus not only as redeemer but also liberator of the oppressed. It entails a vision of Christians working together toward social justice by considering all people as full partners in healing our planet and our communities, regardless of their social or economic status.
Through keynote speeches and panel discussions by leading theologians and grassroots activists, this three-day conference will consider radical ideas about abundance, sustainability, and well-being.
Keynote speakers include founder of Sustainable South Bronx and co-host of The Green on the Sundance Channel, Majora Carter, author and Professor of Theological Studies at the University of Exeter Timothy J. Gorringe, and author of the best-seller, When Corporations Rule the World, David C. Korten.
The conference will be webcast in one of the banquet rooms on the upper level of the C. Charles Jackson Campus Center. The conference schedule is as follows:
Wednesday, Jan. 21
- 3:30 p.m. / Opening reception and registration
- 4:30 p.m. / Theological reflection group
- 6 p.m. / Opening Eucharist, Sister Miriam MacGillis, preacher
- 7:30 p.m. / Adjourn
Thursday, Jan. 22
- 8 a.m. / Opening remarks
- 8:15 a.m. / Timothy J. Gorringe, presentation and Q&A session
- 9:45 a.m. / Break
- 10 a.m. / Theological reflection group
- 11:15 a.m. / Lunch
- 1 p.m. / Nestor O. Miguez, presentation and Q&A session
- 2:30 p.m. / Break
- 2:45 p.m. / Theological reflection group
- 4 p.m. / Adjourn
Friday, Jan. 23
- 6:30 a.m. / Morning prayer
- 8 a.m. / David C. Korten, presentation and Q&A session
- 9:30 a.m. / Break
- 9:45 a.m. / Theological reflection group
- 11 a.m. / Lunch
- 12 p.m. / Majora Carter, presentation and Q&A session
- 1:30 p.m. / Break
- 1:45 p.m. / Theological reflection group
- 3:15 p.m. / Closing panel
- 4:15 p.m. / Adjourn
This event at Gustavus is a collaboration of the Office of Church Relations and the Johnson Center for Environmental Innovation. The registration deadline to participate at the Gustavus partner site is Friday, Jan. 16, however, late registrations will be accepted if space remains. The registration fee is $20 per person with printed materials included. For registration information and questions, contact Marilyn Beyer in the Office of Church Relations at 507-933-7001 or mbeyer@gustavus.edu.
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