A free, virtual event exploring theology shaped by the voices and realities of those on the margins. Join Dr. de Beer as he shares the story of the Centre for Faith and Community at the University of Pretoria, where research, teaching, and activism converge to support urban transformation.
Daily Online Lectures | YouTube
January 19–23
Live Session + Q&A | Zoom
Friday, January 23 at 10AM EST
Featuring Dr. Stephan de Beer with
Knox Principal, The Rev. Dr. Ernest van Eck
All registrants will receive the YouTube videos, link for Zoom Q&A and recording following the live session.
About Stephan de Beer
Stephan de Beer is an urbanist theologian, directing the Centre for Faith and Community at the University of Pretoria. He is professor of Practical Theology, and his research interests include theology in the African city; liberative urban pedagogies; and homelessness, housing and spatial justice. Fusing research, teaching, activism and action, his work seeks to contribute to urban transformation from below, with a special concern for the city's most excluded or marginalized populations. Apart from his academic work, he is involved in social housing and housing advocacy in the inner city of Pretoria.
About the Centre for Faith and Community
The Centre for Faith and Community is based in the Faculty of Theology and Religion at the University of Pretoria. Its work is envisioning healthy communities through the formation of community- and faith-based leaders. It does so, through practicing evidence-based theology, that is change-making and life-affirming, in and with local communities. Its research focuses on faith in the African city, pathways out of homelessness, social justice and reconciliation, spirituality and health care, and doing theology with children. It works with partners in 14 African cities. In addition, it offers 30 continued education programmes involving 600-700 students per year, ranging from transformational urban leadership and pastoral care, to youth ministry, trauma counselling and community development. It works with almost 200 non-profit and faith-based partners, supporting and documenting good practices, informing policy, and supporting advocacy on a range of issues.
Learn More about the Centre for Faith and Community
About the Laidlaw Lectureship
Walter C. Laidlaw and Robert Laidlaw, the two sons of Robert Laidlaw, established The Robert Laidlaw Memorial Lecture in 1953 by to honour their father by bringing distinguished scholars to Knox College. Income from the endowed funds has hosted more than 30 distinguished theologians from all over the world.