If you are a student, graduate or early career scientist, we would love for you to join the new CiS CONNECT Conference 2021. We will be exploring controversial topics that can often divide the church and looking at the best ways to respond to these discussions.

The ticket will give you access to join each session and cover the cost to post and deliver a pack of conference goodies to your door!

Coping with Controversy - Conference Agenda:

Friday PM :

7:00 - 7:15pm: Welcome

7:15 - 7:45pm: Prof Gareth Jones - Coping with Controversy

Abstract: Against a background of personal experience of controversy over abortion and the reproductive technologies, and the enormous diversity of central and peripheral beliefs across Christendom, I shall look at the generally accepted beliefs that constitute the core of the historic Christian faith. More contemporary expressions of core beliefs place emphasis on the centrality of Scripture, while some also touch on very specific and contentious beliefs such as the status of the embryo, male headship, and forms of marriage. In seeking to discern how we live with each other I shall concentrate on the importance of unity in the Body of Christ, the centrality of humility, ways of coping with disagreement, the place of judgement, and the necessity that evangelicalism encourages freedom of expression within its ranks.

7:45 - 8:30pm: Networking Opportunity

Saturday (all day):

10:00 - 10:15am: Welcome

10:15 - 10:45am: Prof Adrian Thatcher - Theology, Sexuality and Controversy

Abstract: I will outline the contours of some of the controversies in the churches about sexuality; and then suggest an inclusive theology which addresses them.

10:45 - 11:15am: Discussion time

11:15 - 11:30am: Break

11:30 - 12:00pm: Dr Cherryl Hunt - Abortion: Controversy? What controversy?

Abstract: Throughout Church history there has been a consistent strand of teaching that terminating a pregnancy is wrong, although a range of ideas have emerged across the centuries as to the status of the developing human at different points before birth. Scientific advances now allow us to appreciate the process of development from fertilization onwards, and to detect the presence of developing humans from a much earlier stage. Alongside these advances, a number of strategies have been devised to impede or terminate such development, by preventing either fertilisation or implantation in the uterus. Our increased knowledge and abilities raise questions as to the respect and rights to be accorded to human life at these early stages and the interaction of those rights with those of the woman in whose body this life is developing.

12:00 - 12:30pm: Discussion time

12:30 - 13:30pm: Lunch Break

13:30 - 14:00pm: Revd. Dr. Joanna Collicutt - Mental Health: I'm not supposed to feel like this - am I?

Abstract: This session will explore one aspect of the complex and challenging relationship between mental health and faith: Why is it that being a Christian doesn't seem to make us immune from experiencing mental health problems? The exploration will focus on two issues: mental healing as a long game that involves the community and not just the individual, and the way some Christian teachings can be distorted in a way that impacts negatively on mental health.

14:00 - 14:30pm: Discussion time

14:30 - 15:00pm: Panel Q & A (plus Dr Anna Pearson , OB Award winner)

15:00pm - Closing Prayer

If you have any questions, please email our Development Officer, Steph, on steph.cis@outlook.com.

FAQs

Can I get a discounted ticket?

Yes! If you are a member of CIS, you can select for a discounted ticket. Students can get their first year of membership with CiS for FREE! You can also get discounted membership to CiS if you are a students who have already had their 1st year free and graduates in their first 2 years out of university. To become a member, please go to the Christians in Science website: www.cis.org.uk.

How do I get there?

Once you have registered, you will be given access to the conference event page. Here you will find a Zoom link which will become active at the start of the conference. You can access this from one device (phone, tablet, computer) per ticket.

What do I wear?

Pyjamas, onesie or formal wear. As long as you are comfortable!

What do I need?

Once you have purchased your ticket, you will receive a Conference Pack in the post. The only other thing you will need on the day is a device to get onto zoom.