Introduction to Christian Democracy

I will be delivering a series of five lectures which introduce the idea of Christian Democracy starting on Monday 12th November - Monday 10th December.

Christian Democracy is one of the key ideas which shaped post-war Europe. It is a way of thinking which is deeply rooted in the social teachings of the Roman Catholic Church; however, paradoxically, it was regarded with suspicion by several Popes in the pre-war period.

Its ethos was, for a while, deeply inspired by Roman Catholicism yet its appeal in some countries transcended religious divides. As a political ideology, it is firmly in the centre of the political spectrum, thus drawing criticism from both left and right.

It centres on the idea that the human person – rather than the individual – should be placed at the heart of the political process. Some credit Christian Democracy with keeping Europe at peace in the post-War period. However, its future now seems somewhat dubious.

This short course (to be delivered in English) looks at various aspects of Christian Democracy including its development, its core ideas, its principles and values, its leading figures and its future. A discussion / Q&A session will follow each talk.

Lectures take place at the Volunteer Centre, 181, Melita Street, Valletta from 6.30pm to 8pm.

FULL payment & registration on first day of course: Members of the Foundation, students and senior citizens pay €15. Non-members pay €25.

Participants attending 80% of lectures will be given a certificate of attendance.