On Monday, we like to draw your attention to certain aspects of the Scottish Women’s Bible Convention. For the next few weeks, we’ll be telling you a bit more about the range of Seminars that are on offer.

What is the seminar about?

Equality for all people is a foundational principle in our culture and embedded in our law. However religion is often blamed for promoted inequality especially towards women. What are we to do when the world says the Bible’s view of women is utterly abhorrent? What are we to make of passages that make us fear they might be right?

Who is the seminar for?

This is for every woman! It aims to give us confidence that God is good for women. However, it is also aimed to help us explain that truth to our friends.

Why is this area important?

Through church history some things have been taught that have undermined women. We can fear that the bible rather than being liberating is in fact the cause of oppression. We can especially struggle with some of the teaching in the Old Testament or feel trapped by stereotypes.
It is important for us in our walk with Jesus to be confident in God’s love and the value he places on women.
It matters for our friends who come from a feminist perspective and are suspicious of the bible. As we grow in confidence in the bible we will be able to share the gospel more confidently with those who fear the bible is sexist.

Besides your seminar, what one thing about the Scottish Women’s Bible Convention are you looking forward to and why?

I’m really looking forward to being with my Scottish sisters in Edinburgh – wonderful fellowship in a
beautiful city!

Tickets can be purchased from Eventbrite here

On Monday, we like to draw your attention to certain aspects of the Scottish Women’s Bible Convention. This year we are pleased to have the charity Home For Good come and join us on the day. We asked Duncan Shelton to tell us about their work and their participation at the convention.

In which part of Scotland do you live?

I live in the beautiful West End of Glasgow around Finnieston that I believe, is home to some of the best coffee shops and parks in all of Scotland!

What is the purpose of Home for Good?

Home for Good has a bold vision to find a home for every child who needs one in the UK through fostering, adoption and supported lodgings for teenagers, and we believe the Church has a crucial role to play. We inspire individuals and families to open their homes to children and young people, and we equip the Church to wrap around them in support.

How are you going to be involved in this year’s SWBC?

First of all, we’re excited to be sharing more about Home for Good in a Q&A on the mainstage at some point throughout the day where you’ll hear more about Home for Good, our heart behind what we do, and why it’s so important! We’ll also have a stand open throughout the day where we’ll have resources available, including our Home for Good book written by our founder, Krish and Miriam Kandiah, bible studies and a few activities to get you thinking about the care community in your local area. At the stand, you’ll be able to ask further questions and explore how you can actively participate in the vision of Home for Good!

How is the work of Home for Good relevant to SWBC attendees?

This year’s SWBC topic is so relevant to the work that Home for Good. Scotland occupies the second highest number of looked after children away from home in the UK with over 10,000 children and young people. This number is at an all-time high. Home for Good believes that each one of us has a part to play to ensure that every child and young person in Scotland, no matter their background or upbringing, experiences the safety, love and sense of belonging that they deserve. No matter what part you choose to play, we believe that together we can make a transformational difference in our local communities and to society.

What are you most looking forward to about the event and why?

I’m most looking forward to engaging with you all on a topic that is so close to the heart of Scotland right now. The Scottish Government are currently in the process of implementing the changes that were recommended to them after the Independent Care Review was concluded in a report named The Promise. We are right at the beginning of seeing those changes and Home for Good are working hard to be part of those changes as well. The more we talk to people and listen to the stories of those that are care experienced, the more we raise awareness of the needs of the care system and the exciting changes happening within the care system right now!

Tickets can be purchased from Eventbrite here