The former Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron will be giving his personal views on the “mucky business’’ of politics during a talk at Keswick Convention on Thursday.
With a new autobiography out on September 2 called ‘A Better Ambition’ he will ask how Christians are meant to think about politics at a Keswick Lecture talk entitled A Mucky Business.
He said: “How do we think biblically and practically as Christians when it comes to politics and current affairs? If you are dismayed or elated it’s all temporary. It still matters, but don’t panic!’’
It is the MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale’s first time at the Convention and he will be speaking in the event’s Main Tent about his faith, becoming a liberal democrat and leader of his party.
Now into its third and final week, the Convention has also been offering visitors the chance to create art through fire etching, attend late night “unconventional’’ shows hosted by award-winning sitcom writer, James Cary, as well as seminars on modern slavery by Dai Hankey and surviving a suspicious world by Mark Meynell.
Music has been provided by singer/songwriters Steph Macleod, Eilidh Patterson and Nashville-based singer-songwriter and author Andrew Peterson.
Thousands of Christians from all over the world have been enjoying activities, fun, worship and learning at this year’s annual Keswick Convention. The event, which has been a staple on the Keswick calendar for over 140 years, has seen visitors and volunteers enjoy Bible readings from Nashville pastor, Ray Ortlund, encapsulating this year’s theme – Longing.
Ray first attended the Convention 60 years ago in 1959 when he visited with his family while his father was an exchange pastor in London. The pastor of the Immanuel Church in Nashville is speaking at this week’s morning Bible readings at the Convention about the Bible book of Romans 8.
During the week, sung worship in the morning and evening meetings has been led by singer songwriter Olly Knight and his band from Canterbury.
The Convention has been enjoyed by many visitors.
Gwen Harborne said: “I am so excited to be here at Keswick. I’ve previously helped with the kid’s program, but was very curious to come back and see what was on offer for adults. As a single woman it can be a bit daunting to go somewhere on your own, but I’ve already been made to feel so welcome. The Convention really does feel like an extended church family. I love my home church but it’s so exciting to benefit from the solid Biblical teaching from so many talented speakers and teachers.’’
Also visiting the Convention were sisters Jenni McGowan and Laura Bentley, who are both teachers in Liverpool. They said the Convention offers something for everyone with “great Bible teaching in a lovely location.’’ They also praised Keswick Unconventional saying the event sends them back home “refreshed’’.