Arguing for Christ today

This year's Summer Apologetics Course at St Stephen’s House, Oxford will be from 17th–19th June as is open to the general public.

Topics to include: Science, Religion and the ‘New Atheists’, Apologetics and Contemporary Culture, The Good News of Christian Ethics, the History and Theory of Apologetics, Addressing Common Objections to Christian Faith, Ecumenical Perspectives, Finding and Making Opportunities

Speakers: The Revd Professor Alister McGrath (University of Oxford), The Revd Professor Graham Ward (University of Manchester), The Revd Dr Richard Conrad OP (Blackfriars, Oxford), The Revd Canon Dr Robin Ward (University of Oxford), The Revd Dr Andrew Davison (University of Oxford), Mrs Lucy Gardner (University of Oxford), The Revd Dr Matthew Bullimore (Domestic Chaplain to the Bishop of Wakefield), The Revd Dr John Hughes (Diocese of Exeter)

Timing: the course will run from 9:30 am on Tuesday 17 June until after lunch on Thursday 19 June. There will be four sessions per day (two on Thursday), with an optional further session after dinner.

Course Fee: £100 including lunch; £5 for dinner on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Accommodation: a limited number of rooms are available. £120 full-board from Tuesday morning to Thursday lunch; additional £35 for a room on Monday night and breakfast on Tuesday morning.

Contact: Fr Andrew Davison, Tutor in Christian Doctrine, St Stephen’s House (Tel: 01865 432300)

Understanding Islam

Understanding Islam is an introductory course for Christians led by the Revd Dr David Marshall at St Stephen’s House, Oxford.

This is a course for those who want to learn more about Islam and reflect on Islam as Christians. It aims to provide an understanding of Islam as Muslims understand it, and to address questions of Christian response to Islam and Christian co-existence with Muslims. No prior knowledge of Islam will be assumed. There will be input from Christian and Muslim speakers, and visits to Muslim institutions. Topics to be covered include: the life of Muhammad; the Qur’an; Islamic belief and practice; Islam and society; recent developments in Islam; Islam in Britain; Christian-Muslim relations.

Outline Timetable
Meals will be served during the course at 8:30am, 1:00pm and 6:00pm

Sunday 8 June
5.00pm Registration
7.00pm Introductory Session

Monday 9 and Tuesday 10 June
9.15am Session 1
11.30am Session 2
Afternoon Excursion
7.45pm Session 3

Wednesday 11 June
9.15am Session 1
11.30am Session 2

David Marshall has studied Islam at the University of Oxford and at the Centre for the Study of Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations, Birmingham University. His doctorate, on the Qur’an, was published as God, Muhammad and the Unbelievers. He trained for ordination at Ridley Hall, Cambridge, and has worked in parishes in Leeds and Cambridgeshire, in university chaplaincy, and in theological education both in England and abroad. From 2000-2005, David was Chaplain to the Archbishop of Canterbury, a post involving substantial work in interfaith relations, particularly in a number of Christian-Muslim initiatives. Since then he has been teaching in a range of contexts, including St Stephen’s House, the Cambridge Theological Federation, the London School of Theology and the London campus of Notre Dame University. He lives in Croydon, where his wife, Helen, is a parish priest.

Michael Nazir-Ali, Bishop of Rochester, writes:
I am delighted that St Stephen’s House is offering this course on Understanding Islam. David Marshall has valuable experience in teaching Islamic Studies and in the practicalities of Christian-Muslim relations. I hope many will take part in this course, which I am confident will deepen their knowledge of the Islamic tradition and equip them for effective dialogue and intelligent Christian witness.

Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, writes:
Many Christians today are conscious of the need to grow in their understanding both of Islam and of the issues raised in Christian- Muslim dialogue. David Marshall has worked extensively in this field, both as a scholar and in a number of significant practical initiatives within the Church of England and across the Anglican Communion. The course that he will be leading at St Stephen’s House offers a valuable opportunity which I hope many will take up. I commend it warmly.

For more information, please contact:
The College Secretary, St Stephen’s House, 16 Marston Street, OXFORD, OX4 1JX, UK. +44 (0)1865 247 874. Further information from this online flyer (.pdf)

Leavers' Sunday 2008

Today marked the end of their time at St Stephen's House for eleven of our number who left following our Sung Mass and Leavers' BBQ on the lawn (see here). We wish them all the very best for the future and send them off with assurance of our prayers.

Please pray for those from St Stephen's House who are going forward for ordination to the diaconate this Petertide - Ben Archibald; Paul Armstead; Nicholas Buxton; Max Diaz; Andy Hughes; Mary Kent; Elizabeth Kesteven; Simon Morris; Helen O'Sullivan; David Stevenson; Bryce Wandrey.

And for those who trained here and will be ordained priest - Fr Paul Hambling; Fr James Hill; Fr Robert Lane; Fr Charles Miller.