Welcome to the Irish Network for Public Theology (INPUT), a new initiative on the island of Ireland aimed at amplifying theological dialogue, training and voices speaking about matters of civic importance at home and overseas. INPUT aims to
Create a safe space for authentic, important discussion;
Research and practice models for collaboration, public theology and social justice;
Amplify diverse faith voices in the public square.
We are an informal network made up of a range of faith-infused NGOs, individuals and institutions. You can see plenty of those organisations on the partners page (and we’re always open to more). INPUT’s lead partner is the Public Theology unit of Corrymeela, Ireland’s oldest peace organisation.
These groups working together in solidarity and friendship in INPUT have an aspiration to advance interdependent, societally engaged and dynamic communities of faith, where serious differences are seen as opportunities for relationally strengthened fruitful dialogue and disagreement.
In addition, INPUT will open a place for an engaged faith voice at the table of civic dialogue on the island and to amplify new voices of faith here, to explore new dimensions of belonging; to suggest healing strategies to deal with the wounds of division caused by Brexit and the centenaries of divisive remembrance.
INPUT has no agreed statement of faith; contributors are not required to align with any denominational or ecclesiastical community; nor do all voices agree. We simply ask of those appearing here that they do so in a spirit of dialogue, something which is not so simple in practice.
As life on this island gets more complicated and diverse, it can appear that spaces for genuine conversation and dialogue across difference get narrowed. Our lives together are then shaped by fear, and resistance to change is considered a virtue. We want to enlarge the spaces of encounter because we believe fundamentally that the Christian faith is a faith of incarnation and that the best theology is incarnated theology.
So whilst we may venture into some of the issues specific to our ecclesial communities, our main aim is to open up areas for theological reflection and discussion which are not central to the lives of our faith institutions, but which are animating debate elsewhere on the island. In that sense they are issues of public theology.
We are not an advocacy group, seeking to influence public opinion or policy for the sake of the Church; we do not witness to or for any one tradition; but we will offer critique and reflection on what it is to be a person of faith in a complex world.
The articles posted on the blog are one way we can encounter one another through our ideas and reflections. The Resources page provides lengthier, and perhaps more challenging pieces. And the Events section will showcase a range of happenings which the Network is organizing where we can meet in person.
If you wish to keep up to date with what’s happening here then we urge you to Connect with Us to get regular updates on new posts and resources direct to your inbox.
We look forward to new connections.
Glenn Jordan
Glenn coordinates and manages the Public Theology programme at Corrymeela.