The move reflects the practical needs of the centre, while the programme continues to offer opportunities for biblical study, online workshops and engagement with interfaith and ecumenical questions.
For many years, SCDE has provided opportunities to explore the Bible and contemporary questions of faith with speakers from different backgrounds and areas of expertise. After a short break to allow for the move, Sisters Maureen Cusick and Anne Lee resume co-ordinating these activities through SionSisters@NottingHill with the launch of a new programme.
SionSisters@NottingHill’s online programme begins with a series on Magnifica Humanitas, the first encyclical letter of Pope Leo XIV, published earlier this year. The series examines the encyclical’s focus on protecting human dignity and the human person in an age of artificial intelligence, reflecting on the challenges posed by AI and its impact on human relationships in the light of biblical teaching.
The series starts on 30 September, when Dr Gemma Simmonds will present “Being Human Magnificently”. Further sessions will consider: whether AI can pray; biblical and rabbinic approaches to godliness; a Jewish response to Magnifica Humanitas; the love of God in relation to the Song of Songs; building bridges in Pope Leo’s pontificate; and healing trauma and restoring humanity. Speakers include Professor Tom O’Loughlin, Rabbi Benjamin J. Segal, Dr Edward Kessler, Professor Massimo Faggioli and Hana Bendcowsky.
The first in-person course opens on 2 October. “Biblical Questions – Questions in the Bible, and what they ask of us today” is a six-week exploration of questions addressed to biblical characters, from “Where are you?” in the story of Adam and Eve to “What are you talking about?” in the account of the disciples on the road to Emmaus. The course will consider the stories behind these questions and invite participants to reflect on how they resonate with their own lives.
Later in the year, an Advent course, “Unexpected Ancestors – Advent Reflections on the Family Tree of Jesus”, will delve into the stories of the five women named in Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus.
The in-person courses take place at the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion’s house at 17 Chepstow Villas, London W11 3DZ. The courses are offered without charge and are open to all.
Find out more about the programmeSionSisters@NottingHill upholds a long-standing Sion commitment in London to biblical study, friendship and dialogue. With its new name and new home, the centre remains rooted in the Bible and open to dialogue.