Two events with Revd Dr Helen Paynter on the Far Right and Christianity

In March Revd Dr. Helen Paynter is coming to Yorkshire to lead two events on the topic of her recent co-edited volume.

Event 1

Universities in Leeds Chaplaincy team at the Emmanuel Centre, together with the Centre for Religion and Public Life, invite you to a presentation and question and answer session on the Church, the Far Right, and the claim to Christianity with Revd Dr. Helen Paynter.

Helen is Director of the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence, as well as an academic and educator of biblical and theological education at Bristol Baptist College. She has researched and published extensively on topics of religion and violence, as well as on spiritual abuse. Together with Maria Power, Helen Paynter edited the book, The Church, the Far Right, and the Claim to Christianity (SCM, 2024).

The event aims to explore a timely and difficult topic, and we very much hope to engage in free, frank and constructive dialogue on the Far Right (what it is and how its influence manifests) and the roles of complicity and resistance of Church and Christianity.

This event will take place at the Emmanuel Centre, University of Leeds from 16.30-18.30 on Friday 14 March.

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Event 2

On the following day, Helen will give another community-based presentation and participate there in another discussion…

Helen is coming to Otley to speak to the topics central to her co-edited book and to open a conversation about how Christian communities and individuals grapple with the Far Right.

You don't need to have read the book! Just bring your questions and thoughts. Together we will look at such questions as:

What is the Far Right?

How and why does it claim Christianity?

What can we do about this?

Why is the Far Right influential, and why is it both compelling and dangerous, including for Christian communities?

This event is hosted by The Bridge United Reformed Church of Otley (Bridge St, Otley, LS21 1RW).

This event will take place on Saturday 15 March, upstairs in the community rooms adjoining the church. We will begin with tea, coffee and biscuits at 10.30am and start Helen's presentation and discussion at 11am. The event will end no later than 1pm. Everyone is welcome.