Scottish Catholic Observer

Speakers came from a variety of Christian traditions. The keynote speaker was Dr Christopher Knight, executive secretary of the International Society for Science and Religion and an Eastern Orthodox priest. Topics ranged from divine action to patristic themes, finishing with a talk by Fr Peter Hunter, OP on the significant role of St Albert as a scientist. Other speakers included Dr Sara Parvis and the Rev Dr Mark Harris, both of New College, and Wilson Poon, Professor of Condensed Matter Physics at Edinburgh University.

The Albertus Institute is a lay initiative, which has the support and patronage of the Dominican Order. It is based at St Albert’s Catholic Chaplaincy, which serves the universities of Edinburgh. The institute aims to encourage an open dialogue between science, religion and other forms of intellectual discipline and to provide opportunities for the public and in particular, members of the Catholic Church to debate on these matters. While there are a number of bodies with a similar focus in England, it is believed this will be first such forum in Scotland. The institute intends to make a significant contribution to Scotland’s intellectual life, as well as showing how the Church can make a positive contribution to such debates.

The institute’s future programme will include such topics as virtual reality, the role of religion in economics and health care and confessional news reporting in the 17th and 21st centuries.

— For more information about the institute, visit the website: www.albertusinstute.org

Catholic students get political with new university group

The new Turnbull Politics Group at Glasgow University seeks to promote Catholic social teaching and put it into practice. Its president, Luke Timmons, explains how.

At our meetings we discuss and learn about the Church’s social teaching from the group’s spiritual director, Fr John Keenan. However, we also try to apply what we learn to any issue that arises which could negatively affect the student population.

The aim of the group is to be a force for good around our campus in Glasgow, challenging those making decisions from the student level to the national one. We also aim to help Catholics incorporate their religious beliefs and values into their politics.

Turnbull Politics is unique since we are very much a group of individuals who are not necessarily of the same political persuasion but yet work together on the same causes based on the social teaching of the Church.

The reaction on campus has been mixed. There are always going to be those in the university (right)—particularly those involved in student politics—who disagree with what we stand for. However our aim is to unite everyone on campus who is involved in any form of political discussion since this is always the most effective way of communicating what we believe. The reaction from non-Catholics so far has been particularly positive with either great support for some of our causes or good discussion ensuing from our disagreements. My hope for the society is that it will encourage and help Catholic students to engage with politics.

— To find out more, email: [email protected]

—STRONG IN AFITH DISCUSSION: How should a Catholic approach the issue of Scottish independence?

— Have your say at http://www.facebook.com/scostronginfaith