THE ADF PROGRESSIVE FORUM
VISION
The African Development Forum exists primarily to mobilise the African and Caribbean Christian community and wider diaspora to confront and respond to poverty by challenging unjust structural systems which keep millions of Africans poor. Up until now we have sought to highlight the plight of Africa through education and advocacy initiatives. However as part of our ongoing strategy of growth and mass appeal we seek to develop our vision by extending our collaboration with Christian Aid, and also with Tipping Point Film Fund to create a ‘third space’– a place where those who believe in humanity and the betterment of society can engage around the issues via film and new media - becoming challenged to act outside of the traditional constructs and notions of church.
It is important to add, that in deepening and widening our vision, the African Development Forum is in no way departing from its Christian roots. On the contrary, our faith informs us as to the type of society we all should inhabit both near and far. As such we firmly believe that our faith is not silent, but a powerful voice in the movement of change.
‘Third space’ therefore demands that we challenge the status quo, by asking critical questions of ourselves, the church and society - thereby turning our intellectual reckonings into conviction-led moral action. It is our belief that faith is only realised when like Martin Luther King, Jr. it fuels and organises the agenda for change.
Our First Event
How can faith make a difference to local, national and international politics?
The Political Task of Religion in the African and Caribbean Diaspora
Pre-election forum discussion and screening of “God Bless You Barack Obama” Birmingham 18th April, 3-6pm, London 25th April 3.30-6.30pm.
With the election looming, this event is an opportunity to discuss role of religious experience (Christian, Islam, Rastafari etc) in the political process. How can faith make a difference to local, national and international politics? Politics or the gaining and use of power, is too important for religious or spiritually minded people to ignore, so we invite you to participate in a panel discussion based around the revealing and illuminating film “God Bless You Barack Obama” by Robert Beckford.
“God Bless You Barack Obama” (56 mins) examines the development of the religious faith of President Barack Obama. How the fusing together of radical faith, liberal politics and community organising informed Obama’s faith and well as almost derailing his presidential campaign. It draws on interviews with many outstanding African-American figures including Professor James Cone as well as Pastor Jeremiah Wright.
We hope this film will stimulate discussion on how to mobilise faith communities, the relationship between faith and progressive politics as well as the role of faith and spirituality in social policy, economic development and trade justice.
We are delighted that Operation Black Vote will be at both screenings.
FREE ADMISSION FOR BOTH EVENTS
Birmingham Sunday 18th April 3-6pm
Venue: The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham, B6 4UU
Panelists: Dr Robert Beckford; Patrick Augustus, Bishop Dr Joe Aldred, and Karen Hamilton
London Sunday 25th April, 3.30-6.30pm
Venue: The Brix at St Matthews, Brixton Hill, London SW2 1JF
Panelists:Dr. Robert Beckford, Dr. Lez Henry, Adjoa Andoh and Winsome-Grace Cornish
To download a flier for the event, click here.
