A theological reflection on migration
A four-part, monthly series, enabled by Kathy Galloway, co-Leader of the Iona Community.
An invitation to look beyond the images we see on the news to see where God is and where God wants us to be on this journey.
This series is based on a new resource published jointly by Christian Aid, the Church of Scotland and Scottish Faiths Action for Refugees. This resource for reflection suggests four practices for the Christian community which may lead to, or sustain action. These practices are by no means unique to Christians; and people of other faith traditions are welcome to join the conversations.
See below for course cost & registration. Please note the online costs are for the whole series.
Mon 8th October 2018 @ 6.00-7.30pm
(1) The practice of lament
‘To lament means to call the bad bad, to protest against that which in any way contradicts or diminishes the good. Every act of lament is profoundly theological, in that every protest against what is bad is simultaneously a plea for what is good.’
Mon 12th November 2018 @ 6.00-7.30pm
(2) The practices of wrestling and reconciling
‘To practice such wrestling is to choose to hold on through the division that is polarising our society, particularly around issues of migration. But we do not wrestle simply to prove our rightness or our righteousness. We wrestle to a place of understanding that equips us for reconciliation with those we disagree with or are fearful of. We hold on until the blessings of welcome, security and reconciliation are known by all.’
Mon 10th December 2018 @ 6.00-7.30pm
(3) The practice of reciprocal hospitality
‘Integration is a question of mutual, reciprocal hospitality. “Reh”, the Hebrew word for neighbour also means friend. Friendship is a reciprocal relationship, not the object of duty.’
‘Is ar scath a cheile a mhaireann na daoine’
It is in the shelter of each other that the people live. (Celtic proverb)
Mon 14th January 2019 @ 6.00-7.30pm
(4) The practice of pilgrimage
‘Moving from a personal pilgrimage of devotion to God to a prophetic pilgrimage which speaks out on the justice issues underpinning the cause of mass migration is not to separate the inner and external worlds of the pilgrim. Pilgrimage is not simply about moving bodies but about transformed lives at work in the world.’
All quotes above are from the Becoming Human Together online resource. It’s not essential to have read it to take part in the conversations, but participants may find it helpful and interesting. Here’s the link to download the resource: www.christianaid.org.uk/resources/about-us/becoming-human-together
We’d appreciate if folk wishing to come to the series could register in advance (see Cost & Registration below) in order to get the most from the series. However, it is also possible to come to individual evenings.
See the weeWONDERBOX 2018-19 listings page for more information about these.
Cost & Registration: Suggested cost £4/ £3 (concession) per session or £15/ £11 for the whole series.
To register for the course, see Tickets below or contact WGRG/ Wild Goose Resource Group at [email protected] or by phone 0141 429 7281.
Time: 6.00 – 7.30pm
Venue: 21 Carlton Court, Glasgow, Scotland G5 9JP, Scotland.
Access to the event space is via one step. Inside there is a low-stepped ramp. We are happy to provide assistance.
To receive updates of weeWONDERBOX events, sign up to the WGRG and weeWONDERBOX eNews here.
weeWONDERBOX is a programme of events organised by the Iona Community’s Programme Worker and the Wild Goose Resource Group.
0141 429 7281
[email protected]
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