February 26, 2015, by Michael Jennings

Exploring British values – a religious perspective

Revd Canon John Bentham, Coordinating Chaplain at the University, looks forward to the upcoming public lecture lecture ‘Is there such a thing as British values? A religious perspective’. Taking place on Tuesday 3 March, the University will play host to prestigious speakers from various religious backgrounds to address values in multi-cultural Britain. Tickets still available.

Is there such a thing as British values?

If so where did they come from, and what might shape them in the future?

It is not always easy to understand the strengths and weaknesses of your own culture, or to stand back and analyse its values. In an international community such as this University, we have a unique opportunity to rub shoulders with different races and cultures, reflect on our own values and learn from the values that others hold. The very best education gives us an opportunity to place our perspective alongside that of others, test it, and see what stands, and what has universal application.

The Chaplaincy team have organised this latest public lecture to reflect on religious contributions to this current debate on British values. We hope to look to our past, our traditions, and ask what particular and unique contribution has been made by faith. We will also look to the future, and ask what values different faiths have to offer that might further shape our values. We offer the perspectives of three truly international faiths, each strongly represented at this international University.

We warmly welcome our three eminent speakers:

Revd. Canon Dr Nigel Rooms is an Anglican priest and practical theologian. He oversees lay and clergy development as the Director of Ministry and Mission in the Diocese of Southwell & Nottingham. He holds a Master’s degree in theology from the University of Nottingham and a professional doctorate in missiology from the University of Birmingham. He is the author of The Faith of the English (SPCK, 2011) which explores the relationship between Christian faith and English culture.

Rabbi Dr. Harvey Belovski has been spiritual leader of Golders Green Synagogue since 2003.  He is principal of Rimon Jewish Primary School, senior rabbi of University Jewish Chaplaincy, head of modern rabbinic thought at the London School of Jewish Studies, faculty member at the London Montefiore rabbinical training school and a guest lecturer at Kings College, London.  After reading Maths at University College, Oxford, Harvey Belovski trained as a rabbi at Gateshead Talmudical College. He holds a PhD in hermeneutics from the University of London and is currently a post-graduate student in organisational psychology at City University.

Sheikh Ibrahim Mogra serves as an imam and scholar in Leicester. He has been trained in classical theology and the traditional sciences of Islam. He holds religious credentials from Daru-`Ulum, Holcombe as well as advanced theological qualifications from the Al-Azhar University in Cairo. In addition, Shaykh Mogra has undertaken a postgraduate degree at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London. He is the founder and Principal of Khazinatul-`Ilm, Madaris of Arabic and Muslim Life Studies, in Leicester. He was elected as an Assistant Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain in 2008. He is chair of Religions for Peace UK, Advisory Board member of the Three Faiths Forum, and a member of the Congress of Imams and Rabbis for Peace and the Christian Muslim Forum.

To obtain your free ticket, contact Debbie Keown, Chaplaincy Administrator on 0115 951 3931 or email debbie.keown@nottingham.ac.uk

Visit the Chaplaincy website for more information.

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