AN EXPERT panel took part in a live Church Times webinar early in July to consider aspects of life that could or should be better in the post-pandemic world.

Watch the entire event on our YouTube channel.

The first part of the webinar considered the challenges and opportunities for churches: topics discussed included the future of ministry; online worship; collaboration between parishes and denominations; and relationships and community.

The panel comprised:

• The Rt Revd Philip North, Bishop of Burnley;
• Ann Morisy, freelance community theologian and lecturer;
• Dr Bex Lewis, Senior Lecturer in Digital Marketing at Manchester Metropolitan University;
• The Revd Kate Wharton, Vicar of St Bartholomew’s, Roby, in Liverpool diocese, and Assistant National Leader of New Wine. 

The second part looked at the challenges facing wider society, such as inequality; human rights; the future of work; and the creative arts.

The panel comprised:

• The Revd Dr Sharon Prentis, the Intercultural Mission Enabler and Dean of Black, Asian and Minority-Ethnic Affairs in Birmingham diocese.
• Hugh Williamson, director of the Europe and Central Asia division of Human Rights Watch.
• Dr Eve Poole, the Third Church Estates Commissioner (speaking in a personal capacity).
• Harry Baker, a full-time poet, World Poetry Slam champion, and one half of the comedy-rap-jazz duo Harry and Chris.

The panellists each contributed a short essay to a special issue of the Church Times on the lessons of the pandemic. Read the articles here.