The global pandemic has forced us to not only examine what makes a good society, but what makes a good life. The pandemic has made us conscious - as if we needed any reminders - of the incredible gaps between privilege and poverty, wealth and marginalization. Social justice, or the lack thereof, has been a major factor in the way people have experienced this time. Faith leaders, religious institutions and activists moved by their spirituality have been at the forefront of confronting these inequalities and deep social fissures. People across the world have been turning inward and have been seeking spiritual, if not religious, community to help them through this time - to give this chaotic moment some sense of meaning.
We look at the promise and pitfalls of the spirituality in a time of pandemic. Are faith, religion, spirituality forces for good now? How has ritual practice and the way we convene sacred community changed? What does it mean for the future of organized religion? Does this Pandemic time remind us that the spiritual life is more vital than ever?
Our panelists are:
Abdul Rehman-Malik, award-winning journalist, educator, organiser and lecturer at the Yale University School of Divinity.
Athambile Masola, Co-Creator of uMoya: on African Spirituality (podcast) and Lecturers at the University of Pretoria.
The Rev. Dr Tim Bull, Director of Ministry and Residentiary Canon at St Alban’s Cathedral.
Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner, Senior Rabbi to Reform Judaism.
The Good Society Forum is a community of change-makers around the world with a common quest to build the good society. Launched in April 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Good Society Forum Webinars digitally connect change makers around the world, engage them on ideas, and inspire action to build the good society.