WORKSHOP DURING RCC 2000

Title of Workshop(s) Digital Theology: reflections on the Work of David M. Lochhead (1936-1999)

Brief description of workshop (this is for use in the program book; please attach a longer description as necessary or helpful):

David Lochhead (1936-1999) was one of the leading writers and speakers in the field of the cultural impact of computers and the theological implications. Each of the four IRTC directors will prepare a presentation based on one of the writings of David Lochhead.  This will be followed by an open time for questions and reactions

Is the audience for this workshop primarily beginners or experienced?

It is for anyone willing to wrestle with the cultural implications of computer networking.

SYMPOSIUM   Wednesday,  March 29, 2000 from 2 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

SYMPOSIUM: A Reflection of David Lochhead’s Work.

DETAILS: Professor David Lochhead (1936-1999) was one of the leading writers and speakers in the field of the cultural impact of computers and the theological implications.  His first book on the subject, Theology in a Digital World (Toronto: United Church Publishing House, 1988), was ground-breaking in this field.  The community which has known and respected David's work, including being the first President of Ecunet, Inc., has not had a chance to gather and reflect on his writings since his untimely death, June 15, 1999.  This will be our opportunity.  We are hoping that a number of those who gather just prior to this event for the Ecunet meeting will choose to participate in this symposium as well.

Leadership:  Four Directors of the Institute for Religion, Theology and Culture (IRTC) - an organization created by David Lochhead, will host the discussion and welcome all participants.  They are:

Ken Bedell,  Marta Frascati-Lochhead,  Ian MacKenzie and Gordon Laird.  Biographies are available through Dave Pomeroy, as we have applied to conduct a one-hour Workshop on Thursday and have sent him our information.

Workshops are certain to be one of the highlights of next spring's Religious Communication Congress (RCC) 2000. Participants who arrive in Chicago in late March for the international, multi-faith communications forum, will be able to sharpen their skills in more than 120 workshops and

seminars, led by some of the world's most creative and knowledgeable communicators.

The congress theme, "Faith Stories in a Changing World," will focus upon sharing the faith through spoken, electronic, cyberspace, written and artistic stories. According to RCC 2000 chair Shirley Whipple Struchen, "The goal of RCC 2000 is to broaden the perspectives of professional

communicators at every level of expertise. Opportunities for learning and professional growth will abound at the four-day event."

Workshops in each of the five subject areas will be tailored to meet the special needs of each congress participant. "Jump Start" sessions have been planned for beginning communicators, while "Fast Track" workshops will challenge those with more experience.

"At RCC 2000, participants will become better communicators of their own faith stories and experience the rich diversity of other religious traditions," said Dave Pomeroy, chair of the RCC 2000 Workshop Committee. "Our workshop leaders have an incredible range of both faith perspectives and talents."