Hekima College

Jesuit School of Theology

Institute of Peace Studies and International Relations

Nairobi Kenya

Hekima Forum for Exploring Faith in Public Life

Since its inception Hekima College has run a programme, Exploring our Christian Life, geared primarily towards the formation of the laity in and around Nairobi. Hekima College has re-launched the programme under a new format to continue the good work that has been done through Exploring our Christian Life programme.

To provide quality ongoing formation for lay faithful, clergy, religious and theology students on vital issues of faith and Christian life in society.

To promote a culture of public debate that will facilitate a better understanding and dissemination of Catholic Social Teaching on various aspects of social, religious, cultural, economic and political life in Africa.

To brings to bear a specifically theological perspective on various issues of the day, as these affect Christians and people of other faiths.

To explore the dynamic relationship between religion and public life in Africa.

To Collaborate effectively with other socially-oriented institutions in exploring the role of faith in public life.

To Attracts high-level academics, notable ecclesiastical personalities, eminent theologians, and high-profile public figures to propound their ideas and views on social issues from the perspective of faith.

To enhance the profile of Hekima College as a centre of theological reflection and scholarship in Africa.

Previous Speakers at Hekima Forum:

" African theologian Rev. Dr. Laurenti Magesa from Tanzania ('The Rules of the Game: The Just War Theory and the Situation of Conflict Today' - March 2006).

" Dr. Jacinta Muteshi, Chairperson of Kenya National Commission on Gender and Development ('Gender Equality Today: A Matter of Social Justice' - 29 April 2006).

" Professor Peter Wanyande of University of Nairobi ('The Evolving Political Situation in Kenya and the Challenges it Poses to Christians' - 16 September, 2006).

" Nobel Peace Laureate Professor Wangari Maathai ('Religion and Environmental Conservation in Africa: Allies or Adversaries?' - 22 November, 2006).

" Sheikh Abdullahi Abdi, Chairman of The Muslim Leaders' Forum of Kenya ('Lies and Truths about Islam: What is the True Face of Islam in Africa and the World?' - 24 February, 2007).

" African theologian Sr. Anne Nasimiyu-Wasike, LSF ('The Value of Woman is the Value of the Church: From Rhetoric to Reality' - 28 April, 2007).

" Professor Mercy Amba Oduyoye Director, Institute of Women in Religion & Culture, Accra, Ghana (‘Parenting: a theological exploration of the motherhood of God’ - 23rd November2007)

" Fr. William Barry, SJ, of Campion Center, Weston, Massachusetts, USA - internationally renowned writer, retreat director and expert on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Details TBA. - 15 December 2007:

' Hon Njoki Ndung'u a Kenyan Lawyer and Human Activist Former Nominated MP and Author of The Sexual Offences Act 2007('Reshaping The Socio-Political Space of Kenya; Why Women Matter' - 23 February 2008).

A. E. Orobator, SJ.

Convener

Hekima Forum for Exploring Faith in Public Life

Hekima College, Jesuit School of Theology

P. O. Box 21215, 00505 Ngong Road

Nairobi, Kenya

Tel. + 254 (0)20 3876608/9; 0735106681

Fax: +245 (0)20 3870972

Email: forum@hekimacollege.org