Are we called to reexamine our shared understandings of justice in light of realities such as white supremacy, systemic oppression, and deep-seated polarization? What is the relevance of practices such as reconciliation, anti-oppression, and decoloniality for church communities, Christian academic institutions, and for all people of faith? How can we educate new generations of Christians in ways that honour the richness of the tradition, while responding to the challenges posed to us by marginalized individuals and communities? This conference will be an opportunity to explore answers to these and other questions, as members of our communities attempt to respond to the scriptural call to do justice and walk humbly with God in a world struggling to come to terms with the outcomes of colonialism and systemic oppression.

“Difficult Conversations, Difficult Journeys, Difficult Justice” will be a space for reflection, dialogue, and fellowship curated by ICS’s Centre for Philosophy, Religion, and Social Ethics. Through a combination of webinar sessions, workshops, and moderated conversations, this conference aims to generate constructive dialogue about some of the most pressing issues faced by our communities today. The conference’s ultimate goal is to offer participants the tools to think critically and dialogue constructively about issues such as polarization, colonization, systemic oppression, and Indigenous-settler relations. ICS Senior and Junior Members, alums, and institutional partners will enrich this conference with their contributions, offering the audience a glimpse into their current teaching and research. ICS Senior Members Edith van der Boom, Rebekah Smick, Ronald A. Kuipers, and Nik Ansell are our confirmed keynote speakers.

We hope to see you June 8-11!