19 January 2010

Moderator to face panel of students

Photo opportunities: 5.15pm at University Chaplaincy, Cross Row on Tuesday, January 19th. Professor Pete Downes, University Principal will welcome the Right Reverend Bill Hewitt to Dundee.

12.10pm at Dundee University Students Association, Airlie Place on Wednesday, January 20th. Students from a variety of societies will take part in a panel discussion with the Rt Rev.

Students from 'all faiths and none' will meet with the Rt Rev Bill Hewitt, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, to discuss the role of religion in modern society when he visits the University of Dundee.

The Rt Rev is currently undertaking a nine-day visit to Dundee. Professor Pete Downes, Principal of the University, will welcome him to the campus at a reception and buffet supper held at the University Chaplaincy Centre between 5pm and 6.40pm on Tuesday, January 19th

He will visit the University again the next day for a round table discussion, entitled 'Faith in Today’s World', to he held in Dundee University Students Association. This discussion, chaired by Dr Douglas, will include representatives of DUSA’s Christian Union, Catholic, Islamic, Atheist and Debating societies.

Afterwards, a round table discussion entitled 'Faith in Today’s World' will be held in Dundee University Students Association. Taking place from 12.10pm onwards, the discussion will include representatives of DUSA’s Christian Union, Catholic, Islamic, Atheist and Debating societies.

Dr Douglas said the visit provided an excellent opportunity for the Moderator to engage with students from different beliefs and backgrounds.

'This will be an open discussion covering issues raised by the students themselves such as faith and young people, the role of religion in modern Britain and the importance of the Church in national life.'

'The students are very keen to meet the Moderator and to address some of these issues with him. It will give them an opportunity to hear what’s going on within the Church of Scotland at the moment. It also fits with DUSA’s Year of Democracy campaign by examining the role of religion in democratic societies.'

DUSA President Andrew Smith also welcomed the opportunity for students to meet with the Moderator.

'This event will feature students of all faiths and none,' he said. 'The discussion will be broad, and it will cover a lot of different areas which question the role of religion in secular Britain. This is something with huge political, spiritual, moral and social implications, and a whole host of issues will be discussed.'

'This is a conversation that I’m very much looking forward to hosting, and is exactly the type of thought-provoking debate that should be taking place on a University campus.'

The Year of Democracy campaign has seen a number of speakers visit Dundee University Students Association as DUSA seek to increase student interest and participation in politics.

Former Guantanamo Baydetainee Mozzam Begg will share his experiences with students on February 18th. Full details of all events taking place are available by visiting www.yearofdemocracy.co.uk/.

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
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