The General Director raps society’s addiction to materialism as part of the next phase of his respect campaign
11 January 2006
In the light of growing Government concern over anti-social behaviour and society’s increasing consumerism, Joel Edwards will shortly bring his hard hitting views on respect to a wider audience. In a series of lunchtime lectures in Winchester, over the next few weeks, the former probation officer will focus on how Christians should respond to a society increasingly hooked on instant gratification, materialism, community breakdown and violence.
The lecture series is part of the next stage of an innovative Alliance campaign, launched in November, to restore respect within society by publicising positive examples of people who demonstrate respect in the community, family or church life and to challenge the Government over policies that undermine the existence of respect in contemporary culture. The Alliance highlighted a number of young people who make a difference in their communities at the annual Champions of Respect awards last year.
Joel Edwards, said, “Respect has been elevated from street talk to the political platform. But respect is profoundly a creation idea. In biblical terms we reverence one another because we are made in God's image.
“Respect is therefore the cornerstone of community cohesion, human rights or social policy. Respect is far more profound than the political constructs of 'racism' or 'sexism' and offers a more solid foundation for human relationships. Where respect goes missing, ASBOs appear.”
The series of lectures, entitled Space in the City, have been organised by a local ecumenical group, and will take place on Wednesday lunch times (12.30 – 1.00 pm) in January and February at the United Church, Jewry Street, Winchester. The first topic will be, ‘Respect is who you are, not what you have’. Followed by, 25th January, ‘Respect is the bedrock of community cohesion’, 8 February, ‘Respect is what you say I am’ and 15th February, ‘Respect is a state of mind and the responsibility of the state’. Admission is free.
Media Contact: Liz Hogarth Evangelical Alliance 020 7207 2115 l.hogarth@eauk.org
Notes to editors: The Evangelical Alliance UK, formed in 1846, is an umbrella group representing over one million evangelical Christians in the UK and is made up of member churches, organisations and individuals. As part of a ‘movement for change’, the Alliance promotes unity and truth, acts as an evangelical voice to the state, society and the wider Church, and provides resources to help members and other evangelicals live out their faith in their communities.
