Trust Announces Geering Celebration Programme

Media release by the St Andrew’s Trust for the Study of Religion and Society
30 October 2007

Today, organisers announced programme details for an event to recognise Order of New Zealand recipient and New Zealand’s most famous theologian Lloyd Geering’s contribution to public debate of religion and society.* The heresy trial is being revisited at an all-day event in Wellington on November the 3rd, 40 years to the day since the trial began.

Broadcaster Geoff Robinson will open the at the all-day event, reflecting on Lloyd Geering’s role as a public communicator on religious issues. The Trust has also revealed that the all-day event will include the first public viewing of a forthcoming television documentary about Lloyd titled The Last Western Heretic.

“This is very exciting news. The documentary captures the controversy that surrounded Lloyd Geering’s landmark heresy trial. We will also be showing little known footage of the original trial,” said television presenter and event spokesperson Chris Nichol.

This documentary is in addition to a programme of specialist speakers, and an interview conducted with Lloyd Geering by event organiser and television personality Mr Chris Nichol.

“Invited speakers will canvas Professor Geering’s contribution to public debate about God, the world and New Zealand life. But there will also be a serious side to the celebrations where we’ll be asking what the future of religion is.” said Margaret Mayman, Chair of the Trust..

“We’re thrilled with the material that has been offered to us for use on the day. The registrations which are now rolling in reflect the very genuine regard in which Lloyd’s contribution to our society is held.” she said.

Former students, colleagues, friends and members of the public are expected to attend the celebrations which will be held at St Andrew’s on the Terrace Presbyterian Church.

Admission to the event is $35 (includes lunch). Registration form and further details on the celebrations are available from St Andrew’s on The Terrace Office

Event Details

9-9:30 registration, coffee and tea

9:35 Welcome: Rev Dr Margaret Mayman, Chair Study Trust

9:45 Opening: Geoff Robinson, Radio NZ journalist and host of Morning Report

9:55 Archive video footage of the trial

10:15 Rev Dr Allan Davidson lecture part 1: “Heresy Yesterday”

11:00 Audio greeting from Bishop John Shelby Spong

11:05 Interview Professor Lloyd Geering by Rev Chris Nichol

12:00 Book launch of Lloyd’s latest book of lectures In Praise of the Secular: Introduced by Tom Hall, Lloyd’s editor and friend

12:10 – 1:00 – Lunch
-- book stalls and archive

1:00 Documentary “The Last Western Heretic”
Top Shelf Productions. Monique Oomen, director

2:15 Rev Dr Allan Davidson lecture part 2 “Heresy Today”

3:00 Rev Dr Geoff King lecture “Heresy and the future of the church” (20 minutes)

3: 30 Finish-

*The ONZ is New Zealand's highest honour and is restricted to 20 living New Zealanders. Professor Geering joined the order in 2007. He was the Foundation Professor of Religious Studies at Victoria University of Wellington (1971-84), is one of New Zealand's most eminent theologians and is widely known as a columnist, writer, broadcaster and commentator.

ENDS

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