A Note from the Director
Happy belated Groundhog Day! After what felt like the longest January on record, we’ve officially turned the page. Here on the Canadian Prairies, Balzac Billy has confirmed what many of us suspected: winter is sticking around for six more weeks. Still, that’s more cheerful than the prediction offered by Bill Murray’s character in Groundhog Day: “It’s gonna be cold, it’s gonna be gray, and it’s gonna last you for the rest of your life.” I think he only felt that bleak because he didn’t have Ronning Centre February events to look forward to.
This Thursday we have a Philosopher cafe, “ The loss of culture and civil life” and we hope you will join us at Mainstreet 1908.
On February 12, Kimberly Carfore (University of San Francisco) and Christiana Zenner (Fordham University) will join me for a timely conversation on women’s leadership, ecological wisdom, and ethical responsibility in an era of social and environmental crisis.
On February 25, in honour of Black History Month, Shad (Shadrach Kabango) returns to campus for a wide-ranging conversation on hip-hop, meaning-making, and faith.
On March 13, UPU—a celebrated theatrical performance from Aotearoa (New Zealand)—brings Pacific poetry and storytelling from the sea of islands to life on Treaty 6
So if it’s a longer winter, we’re making the most of it—and would be glad to have you with us.
Joseph R. Wiebe
Director, Chester Ronning Centre
Associate Professor of Religion and Ecology Faculty Website
Upcoming Events
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Philosopher Café Series February 5 | 1:30 p.m. MT The Loss of Culture and the Civil Life |
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Wild Women & Just Water: Feb 12 | 7:30 p.m. MT Wild Women brings together two leading voices in religion, ecology, and ethics for a wide-ranging public conversation on how women’s leadership, ecological knowledge, and moral imagination can help us face the challenges of the 21st century. |
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Shad: A Ronning Centre Conversation Feb 25 | 7 p.m. MT Join us for a rare, intimate conversation with Shad (Shadrach Kabango)—arguably Canada’s most critically acclaimed voice in hip hop. |
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UPU March 13 | 7:30 p.m. MT UPU is an award-winning, electrifying theatre experience bringing the powerful voices of the Pacific to life. Following the performance there will be a 30 minute moderated artist talk. |
In Case You Missed It
This Month’s Reads & Listens
Just Water
Theology, Ethics, and Fresh Water Crises
by Christiana Zenner
Just Water explores the necessity and availability of a supply of fresh water from the perspective of Christian ethics. This revised edition includes new data and updates on social developments related to water crises, insights from Pope Francis's encyclical Laudato Siâ, and a discussion of water justice from the perspective of the events at Standing Rock.
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