The ICCJ was invited to the United Kingdom to mark the 70th anniversary of one of its founding members: the Council of Christians and Jews in the United Kingdom. It was decided to hold the conference in Manchester because in that city one of the oldest (if not the oldest …) CCJ branches is located. Moreover, the Rt Rev Nigel McCulloch, Lord Bishop of Manchester, is the CCJ/UK chairman.
But perhaps most important for the 2012 venue is the link between Manchester as a multi-cultural and multi-religious metropole and the 2012 conference theme. Although the exact theme is not fixed yet, the conference no doubt will deal with multi-religious dialogue and social responsability. The Manchester conference will be co- hosted by the University of Manchester and its Centre for Jewish Studies. The Manchester branch of CCJ also is heavily involved in the conference planning.
The picture shows members of the 2012 Planning Committee. From right to left: Daniel R. Langton, Professor of the History of Jewish-Christian Relations, co-Director of the Centre for Jewish Studies; the Rev Canon Steven Williams, Manchester CCJ; Francesca Frazer, PhD student University of Manchester, conference coordinator; David Arnold, Jewish community Manchester and local CCJ; Dick Pruiksma, ICCJ General Secretary.