Former Archbishop of Canterbury to give University lecture

The former Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, is to host a debate on poverty at the University of Wolverhampton.

Dr Williams will give the unique lecture at the University’s Arena Theatre, at a free event to be held in February.

His talk will examine what we mean by poverty, nationally and internationally, and at some of the ways in which religious ideas help or hinder understanding of it.

Dr Williams served as Archbishop of Canterbury from 2002 to 2012 and has been Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge, since January 2013. In June his appointment as the next Chancellor of the University of South Wales was announced.

The talk forms part of the Wolverhampton Debates series, organised jointly by the University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton City Council and Pat McFadden MP.

In the past, speakers at the debate series have included Government education advisor Lord Andrew Adonis, and former Governor of the Bank of England, Mervyn King.

This event has been organised with the help of both the Arena Theatre and the Bishop of Wolverhampton’s office.

It will take place at the Arena Theatre, from 7pm, on Tuesday, February 18. Tickets are free, available on a first-come-first-served basis. To book online, visit http://www.arenatheatre.info/.

Professor Geoff Layer, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton said: “The University is delighted to be welcoming another high profile guest such as Dr Williams to Wolverhampton, particularly to talk on the subject of poverty.

“Wolverhampton Debates is all about showing people what we as a city and region have to offer and how all the different partners are working together to identify the key issues affecting the Black Country and how we can aid economic regeneration.”

Alison Vermee, Theatre Development Officer at the Arena Theatre, said: “The Arena Theatre is delighted that Dr.Rowan Williams has accepted our invitation to speak at the theatre. This event will be a highlight of the spring programme.

“The Arena aims to be an inclusive venue, presenting work that is relevant, stimulating and entertaining, and Dr.Williams’ debate promises to appeal to a wide Wolverhampton audience with his forthright views on contemporary society.”

ENDS

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