Challenging Empire:
God, Faithfulness and Resistance
will take place in Bethlehem, February 23-28, 2011. The focus will be on one of the most cutting edge issues in today’s world, one that touches on both religion and politics: Empire.
Since 1967, the Palestinians have become conscious of their life under a hegemonic American empire with Israel as an essential extension of its power, strategically located in the heart of the Middle East.
With friends from all over the world, we want to reflect on this phenomenon. How can we be faithful to God as we face the challenge of empire? What does radical Christian discipleship mean for us today and for all who live in the shadow of global empire? How do we resist faithfully and non-violently alongside people of all faiths and none?
What is truly exciting has been the growing awareness amongst biblical scholars and theologians of the different manifestations of empire. Their work has inspired us at Sabeel and alerted us to the dangers and threats of empire and challenged us to look at it in light of the Kingdom of God.
A number of prominent theologians, local and international, will help us translate and contextualize the relevance of this topic to our daily life. Confirmed speakers include:
Richard Horsley, author of ‘Jesus and Empire: The Kingdom of God and the New World Disorder.’
John Dear, Jesuit priest, pastor, peacemaker, organizer, lecturer, retreat leader and author of ‘ Living Peace: A Spirituality of Contemplation and Action ’
Mazin Qumsiyeh, Professor, Bethlehem & Birzeit Universities. Author of ‘ Popular Resistance in Palestine ’ and “Sharing the Land of Canaan ‘
Thabo Magkoba, Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town.
Naim Ateek, Director of Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center.
Chris Ferguson, Executive for the WCC United Nations Liaison Office
Ched Myers will be our Bible Study leader
Author of “Binding the Strong Man: A Political Reading of Mark’s Story of Jesus,” Ched has been an organizer and advocate who has for 30 years been challenging and supporting Christians to engage in peace and justice work and radical discipleship.”
Jafar Farah, Director of the Mossawa Center
Themes include:
Mapping Empire; Tactics of Empire; Jesus and Empire; Spirituality for Resistance
Faith in Action; A Vision for the Future
Worship by the Wall and in Bethlehem and Jerusalem
On Site Visits:
Hebron, the Old City of Jerusalem, Bethlehem, refugee camps, the Wall, checkpoints, Palestinian villages, Sheikh Jarrah and more.
Choose one of two optional Post-Conference Tours including:
Jerusalem; Galilee; Dead Sea; Jericho
Cost of the Conference:
$1050 (€750, £660) for single room
$950 (€680, £600) for double room
Cost includes room and meals for 6 nights (Feb. 23 thru March 1, breakfast), registration, on site visits and all related materials.