CHRISTIANS IN GOVERNMENT NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2022
WHAT WOULD WILLIAM WILBERFORCE SAY TO US TODAY?
Saturday, May 14th / 10.30am–5.30pm
Emmanuel Centre, London, SW1P 3DW
This is a conference for everyone seeking significance through serving the greater good. William Wilberforce, MP and anti-slavery campaigner, famously said, “Great indeed are our opportunities; great also is our responsibility”. We believe these words hold true today. This conference, hosted by Christians in Government UK, is therefore an invitation to all Christians involved in public service — from civil servants, NGOs, the church and young people interested in working for government — to celebrate:
— The privilege of public service.
— The power of community.
— The positive contribution of Christians to public service in the UK.
It will be an opportunity to connect with others who care about public service, and to be inspired, as we hear from senior public servants and church leaders involved in public life. And we hope it will be a special time out for those involved in public service to be refreshed, encouraged and renew our vision for the important times we are living in.
SPEAKERS
Dr Tim Leunig
Dr Tim Leunig is Economic Advisor to the Chancellor at HM Treasury, following his role as Chief Analyst and Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department for Education. He also lectures in Economic History at LSE and is an Associate Member, Nuffield College Oxford. He holds a PhD in economics, and has written widely on current and historical economic issues. He is also a fellow of the Royal Historical Society, the Royal Statistical Society, and the Royal Society of Arts. We are looking forward to having Tim inspire and challenge us on how Christians can serve in public life today.
Nikki Marfleet
Nikki was raised as a missionary kid in the jungles of West Papua amongst the stone age Dani tribe. During her secondary school years she went to boarding school in Papua New Guinea before later returning to the UK. She has worked in some of England’s busiest prisons – most notably HMP Swaleside on the Isle of Sheppey, and HMP Pentonville in Islington. She is currently Governor at HMP Woodhill, a high security prison leading a team of around 800 staff and agency workers.
Dr Jonathan Oloyede
Born in Britain but bred in Nigeria, Dr Oloyede is a medical doctor by profession but serves as a full-time missionary to the United Kingdom and Europe. Dr. Jonathan is the leader of City Chapel and the Convener of the National Day of Prayer UK which has seen hundreds of thousands pray in Wembley and Arsenal Stadiums and across multiple locations across our family of nations. We are honoured to have Dr Jonathan lead us in prayer for the government, and also our roles within it.
We will also host a Fireside Chat with Senior Civil Servants sharing their perspectives on faith in government and their policy areas; and a panel on wellbeing.
AFTERNOON
BREAK-OUT SESSIONS
Virtuous Leadership
Leadership is increasingly recognised as important to all spheres of life and certainly in Government. Led by CIG’s Catholic Group, this session will reflect on the character that forms leaders, and the faith-inspired virtues that are essential to the development of this.
Young People
Would you like to connect with other Christian young people and be inspired about working in public service? This session will be an introduction to the civil service, ideal for young people recently joined or wanting to join the civil service, and those young at heart.
Social Action – Refugee Response
This session will celebrate the church’s partnership with government in welcoming refugees.
Christian Persecution
2022 is a key year for the UK’s government’s work on freedom of religion or belief as the UK holds the chair of the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance and is hosting an International Ministerial Conference on 5 and 6 July. This session will consider the issue of the persecution of Christians and what the government can do to tackle it.
Christian Heritage
A walking tour of the Westminster area, hosted by Christian heritage, telling stories of Wesley, Whitefield, Shaftesbury, Herbert and Wilberforce.
Prayer
We are honoured to have Dr Jonathan Oloyede lead us in prayer for reconciliation and healing in our society.
Wellbeing
CIG believes Christianity has real solutions for wellbeing. We have been piloting Christians Wellbeing Sessions using the Way, Truth Life as an interactive framework for wellbeing. 77% of participants said the sessions helped their wellbeing (ONS indicators); 65% found help for a challenge they were currently facing; and 95% found the sessions an opportunity to think more about God. This conference is an opportunity to experience a Way, Truth Life wellbeing session focusing on ‘I will Rise’ (Isaiah 40:31).
Diversity and Inclusion
Would you like to get more involved in Diversity and Inclusion? This session, hosted by CIG’s Diversity and Inclusion Group, will share reflections on a Christian contribution to this agenda.
INTRODUCTION TO CIG
Would you like to know more about the history of Christians in Government UK? Or how you can set up a Christian network in your workplace? This session is for those who care about work-based ministry to hear more about CIG and hosting a Christian workplace network.
LUNCH BREAK
We are hosting a networking buffet lunch (additional purchase required) provided by the Emmanuel Centre as an opportunity to meet others involved in public service and hear from our guest speaker, Jonathan Nancekivell-Smith, Senior Civil Servant at the Ministry of Justice, formerly Head of the Prime Minister’s Implementation Unit and a non-commissioned officer of the Salvation Army. You can also buy your lunch from a nearby café.
FURTHER DETAILS
This conference is organised by CIG International for CIGUK. It is in person-only, as we would like it to be an experience and an opportunity to build connections.
The invitation is for all Christians involved in public service, whether you are experienced, new to the sector, or wanting to find out more. We especially believe in the next generation. Young people (aged over 16 years) interested in a career in public service are warmly welcome. There will not be a separate programme, but we will host a seminar for young people interested in, or new, to the civil service.