The biblical commandment to ‘Love Thy Neighbour’ will fittingly be the theme of an upcoming conference on social justice.
Taking place at the Melbourne Town Hall from 27-28 October, the Justice Conference will bring together Christians from around Australia as they explore what reconciliation and justice mean in an increasingly pluralistic world.
Now in its third year, the conference is organised by TEAR Australia in conjunction with more than 30 partner organisations and churches.
It is one of the largest faith-based social justice events in Australia, with more than 700 people attending last year.
Conference director Paul Flavel believes the Justice Conference is fast gaining a reputation as a key destination for Christians interested in social justice issues.
“Through thoughtful, meaningful and courageous conversations we want to stimulate people to act, inspired by God’s powerful movement of justice,” Mr Flavel said.
This year’s conference will have a distinctively international flavour with guest speakers from Hong Kong, USA, the Netherlands and India along with renowned local activists. They include human rights lawyer Patricia Ho, Major Brendan Nottle from The Salvation Army, US poet Micah Bournes and Collective Shout co-founder Melinda Tankard Reist.
The presenters will unpack themes such as gender justice, climate change, refugees, human trafficking, disability inclusion and reconciliation with First Peoples.
Pilgrim Theological College will have a stall during the conference displaying the variety of study options on offer.
An addition this year is a ‘Just Women’ pre-conference event at Abbotsford Convent on 25 October. The women-only forum will feature a number of speakers, including Uniting Church member Barbara Deutschmann, US activist Lisa Sharon Harper and former Oaktree CEO Viv Benjamin.
“This year’s theme, Love Thy Neighbour, is a commandment that gives the power to transform communities through sacrificial love and the practice of authentic justice,” Mr Flavel said.
“Our hope is this expression pours out in many forms throughout the two days in October and beyond.”
Tickets for the two-day conference can be purchased online at www.thejusticeconference.com.au/register
Tickets for the Just Women event are available through this link: www.eventbrite.com.au/e/just-women-tickets-37831136949
Image: The Justice Conference/Facebook.
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