The Discovery of Belonging in an Age of Isolation: Kim Samuel in conversation with +Father Erik Varden

We are very pleased to announce that Kim Samuel, author of ‘On Belonging: Finding Connection in an Age of Isolation’ will be in conversation with +Father Erik Varden, Bishop of Trondheim, at the Sheldonian Theatre on Sunday 5th March, 4pm–5.30pm. This special event will delve into the crucial role of community in the journey of finding belonging and understanding of the self.

Technological advancements are making our world more connected than ever before, yet feelings of isolation and disconnection have never felt more rampant.  At a time when our disability and aged care systems are overstretched, our physical environment is rapidly degrading, and our legal systems bring about further injustices, how do we build belonging? The discussion will explore how belonging is not a need but a right for all, and how it is vital to continue finding a way to each other in a fractured world.

Kim Samuel is a Visiting Scholar at the Oxford Poverty & Human Development Initiative, University of Oxford, and a special lecturer of the Sheila Kitzinger Programme at Green Templeton College. On Belonging, explores belonging across four core dimensions: in our relationships with other people, in our rootedness in nature, in our ability to influence political and economic decision-making, and in our finding of meaning and purpose in our lives. Throughout the book, Samuel looks closely at humanity's search for deeper connection and the longing to belong.

Erik Varden, Bishop of Trondheim, is a Trappist monk, born in Norway in 1974. In 2002, after ten years at the University of Cambridge, he joined Mount Saint Bernard Abbey in Charnwood Forest. Varden explores the great questions of humanity such as isolation and the need for community for the understanding of the Word of God and the self, in a world facing moral and cultural crisis. Author of several publications, Varden is the creator and author of the Coram Fratribus a website where he shares writings to promote dialogue, and reflect in community on the Word of God.

Kim Samuel and +Father Erik Varden will share opening remarks, followed by a discussion of the key issues on belonging. There will be opportunity for questions from the audience.

For enquiries, please contact: onbelonging-oxford@ophi.org.uk