Citizenship and Faith Initiative

On 4 June, the Department of Law, Governance and International Relations (LGIR) hosted a unique seminar, bringing together for the first time leading academics and practitioners specialising in the area of Community Organising.

In attendance were Professor Leo Penta from the Catholic University of Berlin (pictured right); Professor Jane Wills from Queen Mary’s; Dr Luke Bretherton from King’s College, London; Neil Jameson, Head of The London Citizens' Organisation (pictured right); and Catherine Haworth and Mathew Bolton, lead organisers in West and East London respectively. Professor Robert McKeever, Head of School, attended on behalf of London Metropolitan University.

Dr Maurice Glasman, Senior Lecturer in Political Theory at London Met, presented a paper called Abraham, Aristotle and Alinsky: On the Reconciliation of Citizenship and Faith, in which he outlined the basis of an educational programme LGIR will launch in 2008 called Faith and Citizenship Education.

In partnership with Cambridge University and The London Citizens’ Organisation, London Met will pioneer a training programme for local faith community leaders combining sacred text study, citizenship action and leadership skills.

A research partnership between King’s College, Queen Mary’s and London Met was also announced on the topic of Saul Alinsky and the development of Citizenship and Faith in London.

Dr Glasman has been invited to present his paper to lead organisers and community leaders of London Citizens on 4 July in order to deepen and strengthen the links between the University and the East London Citizens’ Organisation.

For more information please contact Judy Hopkinson on 0207 320 4902.

12 June 2007

Communications and PR Office