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A day exploring lament, grief and the season of remembrance through the space of worship. The day will include two keynote talks from The Revd John Bell, and a choice of workshops on resourcing, responding to tragedy, and holding joy in the space of grief led by Bishop Smitha Prasadam, The Very Revd Andrew Nunn, and The Revd Canon Ben Rhodes.Please bring your own lunch (or purchase locally - there's lots of choice). Drinks provided.
Leeds Minster is a 10 minute walk from Leeds Train Station and 2 minute walk from Leeds bus station. Car parks are available nearby. Disability parking in the grounds of Leeds Minster is available by prior agreement- email [email protected]
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Talk 1: Biblical Perspectives on Grieving (John Bell)
The Bible knows quite a lot about tragedy. It was such a feature in the experience of Ancient Israel as the Law and the Prophets illustrate. So much so, that over a third of the Jews' favoured book of spiritual poetry – The Psalms – has over a third of its content concerned with the articulation of anger, confusion, grief and lament, both personal and corporate. But where does that leave Christians who may have been persuaded that bad things should not happen to good people or Christian nations?
Talk 2: Honesty in Liturgy (John Bell)
The proliferation of make-shift memorials at the scene of tragic accidents and crimes may be taken as indicative of the fact that humans are creatures who naturally engage in symbolic action. It may also be indicative of an unexpressed frustration with traditional liturgical practices when it comes to enabling the expression of deep emotional reactions to suffering. If so, churches have to think more creatively.
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The afternoon will host a collection of workshops, and participants are able to choose two out of the four workshops on offer:
Responding to personal tragedy. Facilitated by Ben Rhodes.
Responding to community tragedy. Facilitated by Andrew Nunn.
Holding joy in the space of grief – celebrating a life well lived. Facilitated by Bishop Smitha Prasadam.
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John Bell is a member of the Iona Community and a minister of the Church of Scotland. His work and passions are centred around preaching, congregational song and enabling lay people to find confidence in engaging with Scripture. For most years of his working life he has listened and lectured throughout the United Kingdom and across the globe, often in ecumenical contexts.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
2-6 Kirkgate, LS2 7DJ Leeds, United Kingdom, Leeds, United Kingdom