London: talk on role of Christianity in US politics

Author and journalist, Stephen Bates will be the guest speaker at the Churches Together in Westminster Annual General Meeting on January 26. The former Guardian religious affairs correspondent and author of God's Own Country will be speaking on the role of Christianity in politics in the United States, with reference to its historical background, its influence on domestic and foreign policy and the present significance of fundamentalism and evangelicalism.

Churches Together in Westminster (CTW) is made up of about 50 participating churches from a dozen denominations. It focuses on fostering unity and co-operation among the churches with particular emphasis on practical issues, such as homelessness and asylum seekers.

"We are greatly looking forward to hearing what Stephen has to say to our meeting," said CTW Chairman, Fr William Pearsall SJ of Farm Street Jesuit Church. "At this time of tension ­ political, social and even financial ­ not to mention the start of a new presidency in the United States, the relationship between faith and politics has rarely been more important. Stephen has a unique insight into the situation in the States, that I am sure will challenge us and which will surely resonate on this side of the Atlantic."

The Churches Together in Westminster AGM will take place on Monday, January 26 at 6.30pm at Westminster Central Hall. The event is open to the public and is free, and will be followed by the opportunity for questions. A supper follows. For more information and to reserve your supper, please contact CTW secretary, Seyan Tills: seyan@bloomsbury.org.uk