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Welfare might be said to begin where progress narratives fail. It has also been said that the poor will always be with us. How we care for the poor – and those in any kind of need – reflects the foundations and superstructure of our theology: what we believe about our selves, our world, and our God.Join us in-person or online for a robust discussion about the moral centre, objectives, and changing face of welfare, guided by Dr Nick Spencer, drawing from his most recent book Christianity and the Future of Welfare [https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/christianity-and-the-future-of-welfare/C269D1E1C5B7FC0A0789EF0F21627DDB] was published by Cambridge University Press in 2026.
All are warmly invited for refreshments following the lecture downstairs in the Crypt of St James'.
This is a free event but registration is essential for catering purposes. Donations towards costs will be gratefully received.
Dr Nick Spencer is Senior Fellow at Theos [https://www.theosthinktank.co.uk], a London-based public theology think tank in London, and host of the influential podcast Reading Our Times [https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/reading-our-times/id1530952185]. His books include The Landscapes of Science and Religion (OUP, 2025), Playing God: Science, Religion and the Future of Humanity (2024), and Magisteria: the entangled histories of science and religion (Oneworld, 2023). He holds honorary or visiting positions at Bishop Grosseteste University; St John’s College, Durham; and University College, London, and is a Fellow of the International Society of Science and Religion.
The Progress and Purpose series is hosted by the St James' Institute [https://sjks.org.au/institute/] and Gospel Conversations, and held in-person at St James' King Street, Sydney, and streamed online.
Image: William Morris print held by Birmingham Museums Trust [https://unsplash.com/@birminghammuseumstrust?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText] on Unsplash. [https://unsplash.com/photos/green-and-white-floral-textile-BPWZ01FtySg?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText]
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173 King St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia, 173 King St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia, Sydney
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