An Event organised jointly by the Northern Ireland Catholic Council on Social Affairs and the Community Faith Forum, chaired by Bishop Noel Traynor

Faith communities are providing vital services in the fight against poverty and social exclusion, supporting those who are unable to provide for themselves or their families. With demands for these services increasing rapidly, and growing fears for the future impact of social welfare reform, is there a need for faith–based organisations to increase efforts to bring their experience and values to government and international policy in these areas? This conference seeks to explore opportunities for engagement from the faith sector in the shaping of social and economic policy, in dialogue with other key stakeholders. The discussion will be framed in an EU context, examining the concept of the Social Market Economy, enshrined in the Treaty of Lisbon, and drawing comparisons with developments in other EU countries.

Programme

The programme will include an introductory theological reflection, a keynote talk by Prof Peadar Kirby, small group and panel discussions. Further details on request. 

Confirmation, programme and venue details will be sent to those attending.

Keynote Speaker

Peadar Kirby is Professor Emeritus of International Politics and Public Policy in the University of Limerick and, until 2011, was director of the Institute for the Study of Knowledge in Society (ISKS) at the same university. Before becoming an academic, he worked as a journalist in The Irish Times and, between 1984 and 1986, was associate editor of Noticias Aliadas in Lima, Peru. He is now an adjunct professor in both the University of Iceland, Reykjavik and at the National University of Ireland, Maynooth. In the autumn of 2012 he held the UNESCO Chair in international development studies at the University of Valencia, Spain. He has published widely on society, economics, and politics.

Booking 

There is no fee for attending but those booking are asked to notify organisers if they subsequently find they cannot attend. 

To book please send the following information to [email protected] or phone 028 90740077:

1. Your name 
2. Organisation or group (if any) 
3. E–mail address 
4. Postal address 
5. Phone number 
6. Please indicate if you will stay for lunch at 1.15pm 
7. Any special requirements including dietary matters, e.g. vegetarian.

Queries to Rob Fairmichael at [email protected], ph 028 90740077 or 077 89224910. The Community

Faiths’ Forum website is at http://www.ccwa-ni.org.uk/cff