Christians on Ageing’s ‘plus’ magazine’s new editor – and you’re invited to a prestigious lecture

Warm thanks to outgoing plus magazine editor John Lansley, who is retiring after notching up nine years in the role. John bows out in the current Spring 2022 edition.

Joanna Walker – at the launch of Chichester Anna Chaplaincy in July 2017

We are delighted, though, to hear that his successor is Joanna Walker, who has a special interest in ‘Learning and developing spiritually in later life’.

She trained initially in psychology and sociology, has worked for Age Concern England (now Age UK), and became the Bishop’s Adviser in Adult Education in Guildford Diocese. She planned a later life PhD ‘as my final “job” in order to conduct research without the constraints of other work priorities,’ she says.

Jo is co editor of Spiritual Dimensions of Ageing (Cambridge University Press, 2016, with Malcolm Johnson). We look forward to the ways in which she will craft plus in future.

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Meanwhile Christians on Ageing will be holding their Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 27 April 2022, online and you are invited to a special talk, following that AGM from 1.00 to 2.30 pm.

Grape Hyacinths Photo credit: Anne Brophy Burke

In their recent newsletter they ask, ‘What better topic... could we have for our AGM lecture than the one chosen by our guest speaker? The wisdom gathered from many years of listening to the faith experiences of older people is just what we need. We are not the first Christians to feel overwhelmed and in need of mighty help. The voices of older people, telling us about how their faith has survived, are part of that help. It is the tonic we need.’

Our Guest Speaker will be Peter Coleman, Professor Emeritus, University of Southampton: ‘A reflection on 50 years’ experience of interviewing older people about their attitudes to the Christian faith.’

Peter Coleman, a renowned psycho-gerontologist, has been a supporter and friend of Christians on Ageing for many years. He will share his knowledge and understanding of the issues facing older people in this online lecture. It will follow the formal part of the Annual General Meeting.

All are welcome to this free on-line lecture. Register your interest here: secretary@christiansonageing.org.uk

Please put ‘Lecture’ in the subject line and include your full name and any connection you have with a local church congregation, voluntary organisation or other official position so that we can build a picture of our audience for this very special occasion. We look forward to meeting you (virtually).