BSL Interpretation onsite is available

Kim Samuel, Visiting Scholar at the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative, Visiting Research Fellow at Green Templeton College, and author of ‘On Belonging: Finding Connection in an Age of Isolation’ will be in conversation with +Father Erik Varden, Trappist Monk, Bishop of Trondheim, at the Sheldonian Theatre on Sunday 5th March, 4pm–5.30pm. Doors open at 3.30pm.

At this special event, Kim Samuel and +Father Erik Varden will delve into the crucial role of community and faith in the journey of finding belonging and understanding of the self. Kim Samuel and +Father Erik Varden will share opening remarks, followed by a discussion of the key issues on belonging. There will be opportunity for questions from the audience.

Kim Samuel is an activist and educator, she is the Founder and Chief Belonging Officer of the Samuel Centre for Social Connectedness; the Fulbright Canada Ambassador for diversity and social connectedness; and author of ‘On Belonging: Finding Connection in an Age of Isolation’. On Belonging, explores belonging across four core dimensions: in our relationships with other people, in our rootedness in nature, in our ability to influence political and economic decision-making, and in our finding of meaning and purpose in our lives. Throughout the book, Samuel looks closely at humanity’s search for deeper connection and the longing to belong.

Erik Varden, Bishop of Trondheim, is a Trappist monk, born in Norway in 1974. In 2002, after ten years at the University of Cambridge, he joined Mount Saint Bernard Abbey in Charnwood Forest. Varden explores the great questions of humanity such as isolation and the need for community for the understanding of the Word of God and the self, in a world facing moral and cultural crisis. Author of several publications, Varden is the creator and author of the Coram Fratribus a website where he shares writings to promote dialogue, and reflect in community on the Word of God.