Please note, booking has finished for 2021. Watch out for 2022 in the New Year!
We still have much to learn from the teachings and example of St John Henry Newman, canonised by Pope Francis. His words of 1845 “To live is to change, and to be perfect is to have changed often” offer a perennial invitation (and challenge) to us and to our Church. In the weekend’s study, Newman’s understanding of conscience and authority will provide a stimulus to our own reflections on conscience and discernment for our shared lives together. Our speakers will each work from an element of Newman’s thought, trying to do justice to the range of his contributions, but they will also move on to contemporary themes and questions for our communities here and now. There will be ample scope for questions and discussion over the weekend. You can download a timetable and booking form at the bottom of this page.
We are very enthusiastic about our lecturers this year, and we anticipate an absorbing and fully challenging programme across the weekend.
Dr Amy Daughton
Dr Amy Daughton read Theology at Cambridge University and was then awarded a PhD in Theology at Trinity College, Dublin. Later, she moved back to Cambridge, becoming Director of Studies at the Margaret Beaufort Institute of Theology. While at the Institute, much of Amy’s work was focused on practical theology, seeking to take seriously the contribution of women and other lay voices in theological practice and public reasoning. Amy moved to Birmingham University in May 2019, where she is Head of Department, directing the Professional Doctorate in Practical Theology and teaching in political theology and themes of identity, religion and society.
Fr John Moffatt SJ
John Moffatt was ordained in 1992. He has worked as teacher and chaplain in two London Jesuit schools and had a brief spell as a university chaplain. He is interested in questions surrounding faith and reason and in developing a positive dialogue between traditional Christianity and secular culture. John has written “The Resurrection of the Word” and “The Philosopher’s Friend and Tales of Detection”. He also has an online collection of informal essays on religion, reason and culture at www.moffatt.wordpress.com. He is currently working on a doctorate in medieval Islamic philosophical theology at SOAS, London, before beginning work later in the year at the new London Jesuit Centre, Farm Street.
The Venue
Ammerdown has proved to be an ideal location for Living Theology. Quiet, peaceful, beautiful and relaxing, Ammerdown offers everything that Living Theology needs. Full residential facilities include a beautiful ecumenical chapel for our liturgies, well equipped modern ensuite bedrooms, first-class catering in a comfortable and friendly dining room, plus teaching and lecture rooms with excellent audio-visual equipment, a well-stocked library covering a wide range of relevant Christian (and other) literature, delightful grounds in which to walk and relax at leisure (with swimming pool) and, last but not least, friendly and very helpful staff.
The Cost
From 5pm on Friday 18th June 2021, to 3.30 pm on Sunday 20th June, the residential cost (£240) covers bed and full board (two nights, Friday, Saturday) plus all lectures and plenaries, with access to Ammerdown’s extensive facilities as above.
Non-residential: The cost (£150) covers lectures, plenaries, liturgies, communal living during the day, lunch and evening meal, but does not include bed or breakfast. For those wishing to be non-residential, Ammerdown can provide details of various hotels and B&B locally.
Make your cheque payable to ‘Living Theology (Ammerdown)’. Please email Eilish Heath at eilish.castle8@gmail.com or telephone 01284 752495 with any enquiries. Please note that we do not have a facility to handle card payments.
Travel
Ammerdown Park
Radstock
Near Bath
Somerset
BA3 5SW
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The nearest railway station is Bath Spa. Bus and taxi services are available from Bath. Full details of travel will be sent to all participants after bookings have been reserved. For those travelling by car there is ample free parking at the Ammerdown Centre itself. The Ammerdown postcode, BA3 5SW, entered into Google Maps or Satnav, should do the rest! For further details of the Ammerdown Centre: www.ammerdown.org or 01761 433709.
Covid Measures: Living Theologians can be assured that Ammerdown has put in place all appropriate measures to ensure their safety. Measures will include distancing, hand sanitising, and seated meals (no buffet). Please bring your own mask, to be worn as appropriate.
