The University of Bolton invites you to attend insightful talks on the economic, social and religious consequences of Western Europe's demography

The University of Bolton’s Centre for Islamic Finance and The Benedict XVI Centre for Religion and Society at St Mary’s University is proud to host a symposium at the William Morris Law Court on Thursday 3 May at 2:15pm, discussing the implications of demographic trends in the West. The event is held under the auspices of the Forum for Islam-Christian dialogue established by the two universities. Titled, ‘The economic, social and religious consequences of Western Europe’s demography’, the afternoon conference, will delve into the implications of demographic trends for fiscal sustainability and the ever-changing relationship between the popularity of Christian and Muslim practices in the UK, Belgium and Holland. The symposium will host guest speakers with a wealth of expertise in their respected fields. Phillip Booth, Professor of Finance, Public Policy and Ethics at St. Mary’s University, Twickenham will discuss the steep demographic decline in all Western countries combined with the impact and consequences unstable sustainability may have. Phillip will also make reference to the demographic trends in majority Muslim countries. Katie Harrison, Practitioner, Honorary Fellow of the Cadbury Centre at the University of Birmingham and Director of the ComRes Faith Research Centre – the first of its kind in this country to help improve the quality of knowledge about religion and belief will focus on religious practices amongst Christians and Muslims. As well as this, Katie will provide insight on key trends and future projections for both religions. Jeroen Jans is currently studying a PhD in empirical religious studies at Radboud University in the Netherlands and is a Curriculum Coordinator Ad Interim at the School for Advanced Studies in Theology and Religion (NOSTER). Jeroen will discuss demographic changes and religious practices in the Netherlands and Belgium. Additionally, Jeroen will raise the question of whether religion is on a decline in the two countries. Moderating the event is Professor in Banking, Mohammed Abdel-Haq, Director of the Centre for Islamic Finance. The event will provide an afternoon of political insights and debates. Each presentation will be approximately 20 minutes with time for open discussions on the issues presented at the conference and how they relate to the future of Western societies. The event is free and open to the public; if you would like to attend, please apply by contacting mohammed.abdel-haq@bolton.ac.uk.