Churches Together in Britain and Ireland

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* Contacts and links have been updated from the original press release *

Bonhoeffer The Prophet: New Study

FROM CHURCHES TOGETHER IN BRITAIN AND IRELAND

DATE 11 MAY 2007

PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE USE

NEW STUDY POINTS TO MARTYR'S RELEVANCE TO 21ST CENTURY

It is over sixty years since the Nazis hung Dietrich Bonhoeffer for his involvement in a plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler. Last year saw the centenary of Bonhoeffer's birth, when many meetings and exhibitions marked this outstanding theologian's contribution to 20th century Christian thought and action.

Bonhoeffer inspired many with his radical approach to faith and God; he talked of Christianity without religion, of God's vulnerability and suffering, and of divine power being pushed out of the world on to a cross. Such thoughts inspired a generation of young Christians back in the 1960s and 70s.

What do the words and life of a 20th century intellectual have to say to a 21st century world faced with dangers, challenges and opportunities unknown back in the 1940s?

In "Heart of Flesh", Gillian Court examines the prophetic dimension of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's life and work. In a clear and concise style, Court compares Bonhoeffer's message with that of the Hebrew prophets of the sixth century BC (Jeremiah, Ezekiel and second Isaiah), and invites us to see them afresh in today's climate of change, the shaking and dismantling of established structures, and the resultant confusion among the people of God.  "Heart of Flesh: Dietrich Bonhoeffer - a study in Christian prophecy" demonstrates that Bonhoeffer's vision, passion and love for God can continue to move and inspire in equal measure.

The launch of "Heart of Flesh" will take place on Friday, 25th May at 12.30 p.m. at the CTBI offices, Bastille Court, 2 Paris Garden, London SE1 8ND. The main speaker will be Canon Paul Oestreicher, who is a former director of the Centre for International Reconciliation, Coventry Cathedral, and is now a chaplain at the University of Sussex.

Refreshments will be available following the launch. For catering purposes, please e-mail mary.gandy@ctbi.org.uk if you intend to be present.

Gillian Court, who is an Anglican and Quaker, is currently on the staff of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland as secretary of the Churches' Commission for International Students.

"Heart of Flesh by Gillian Court", (ISBN 978-0-85169-330-9) is available from Church House Bookshop link to external website.

Contact: info@ctbi.org.uk email

Note for editors:

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI) helps the Churches to think, work and pray together. It is the official ecumenical body that brings together Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Protestant and Pentecostal traditions, and is the direct successor to the British Council of Churches. CTBI's work includes racial justice, inter faith relations, international affairs, global mission, faith, unity and spirituality. CTBI works closely with the "Churches Together" bodies which focus separately on England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. See www.ctbi.org.uk.

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