Christian students challenged to change the world

Kester Brewin

Students from across Britain gathered in York last weekend (10-12 February 2012) for the Student Christian Movement's annual conference on the theme of 'With all your Mind'. The event saw another record turn-out, with more than 100 people attending.

The conference explored the relationship between faith and academic study, and the value of time spent at university amidst the ongoing debate about Higher Education funding.

The key note speaker was mathematician, teacher and acclaimed author Kester Brewin. Through a re-telling of the parable of the prodigal son, he challenged students to spend time 'wasting time while you have it' to decide what they will do when they leave university to change the world rather than conform to it.

Charlotte Gibson, a student at the University of Birmingham said: "At a time when University fees are continually rising, it was inspiring to listen to someone who still believes that higher education serves more of a purpose than economic growth."

Workshops on offer included 'Why should a Christian be a scientist?', 'Practical Theology', 'Liberating Education', The Arms Trade and your University', 'Disability and Education' and 'The Struggle for Higher Education's Future'

Paul Parker, a student at Bangor University, said: "The workshop on Higher Education reiterated that the changes to University funding will restrict access. This stands in stark contrast to the inclusivity of the gospel, which SCM models. As a student and as a Christian I see the rigours of my degree as part of my worship; loving God with all of my mind. Those who wish to pursue academic study should be supported to do so, irrespective of social or economic background."

The conference also featured a 'scratch university' at which students had the opportunity to run short workshops and discussions on topics including Christian hospitality, hand massage, film making and essay writing.

SCM have spoken out strongly against cuts to higher education funding, and backed nonviolent protest against the rise in tuition fees in 2010.

The Student Christian Movement is an ecumenical student-led movement passionate about faith and justice SCM is Britain's oldest national student organisation, having been founded in 1889.

For more information see: www.movement.org.uk/