Recap of the Special Event: Cultural Witness in the City
On Monday, 13th May, the City Prayer Breakfast, in collaboration with Bishop Graham Tomlin and the Centre for Cultural Witness at Lambeth Palace, hosted a focused one-day event at Guildhall titled “Thinking Deeply to Speak Wisely.” This event was designed for senior City business leaders to come together and explore the role of cultural witness in today’s urban environment.
The event featured a series of insightful discussions led by Bishop Graham Tomlin, Glen Scrivener (author and evangelist), and Andrew Dilnot (broadcaster and economist), each offering their expertise on key issues relevant to Christians in the City.
Key Topics Covered
- The Nature of Christian Witness: Bishop Graham Tomlin discussed the theological foundations of Christian witness and how these principles can be practically applied in the workplace and public life, particularly within the unique challenges of the City.
- How Christianity Shaped Western Culture: Glen Scrivener examined the historical impact of Christianity on Western culture, highlighting the enduring influence of Christian values on the development of concepts such as human dignity, justice, and freedom. His talk provided a thoughtful reflection on the relevance of these principles in contemporary society.
- The Economy from a Christian Perspective: Andrew Dilnot offered a measured perspective on the intersection of Christian ethics and economic practice. He explored how Christian values can inform financial decisions and business practices, encouraging leaders to consider the broader social implications of their economic activities.
- How to Communicate for Maximum Effect: The event concluded with practical advice on effective communication. The speakers discussed strategies for articulating Christian perspectives in a way that is clear, empathetic, and impactful, especially when addressing complex or contentious issues.
A Gathering of Thought and Engagement
The event provided an opportunity for City leaders to engage with these important topics in a thoughtful and meaningful way. The discussions were both informative and relevant, offering attendees practical insights that they could apply within their professional contexts. The day was characterised by a focus on substance over sentiment, with a clear emphasis on equipping participants to navigate the challenges of cultural witness in their work and beyond.
The City Prayer Breakfast remains committed to facilitating conversations that matter, and this event was a step forward in equipping Christians in the City to engage thoughtfully and effectively with the world around them.