“In this dynamic creation, our beautiful blue/green planet of gift and ceaseless creativity, there are no orthodoxies; differences of approach are to be embraced and encouraged. May bright ideas and persistent commitment affect all the deliberations.” (p24)

This greeting from Rev Canon Peter Challen set the scene for the recent DSC Conference. Vice president Katherine Ransom reports: “Delegates worked hard at deliberation, discussion and decision-making, accepting the challenge of looking forward.” (p4)

In the words of Party president Neville Aitchison: “We are engaged in a struggle that can free the world of senseless debt. These are extraordinary times, and we face an extraordinary challenge.”(p5)

Deputy leader John Pemberton agrees: “The whole world is heavily burdened with compounding debt,causing poverty, famine and continuous war. We are the guardians of a truth so profound it is not an option to back down under threat or ridicule.” The next step “is for us to share our vision with coming generations. The future beckons.”(p6)

The world is experiencing a period of deep social, environmental and economic change, says leader Stephnie de Ruyter: “This is an exciting time of transition during which the structural flaws inherent in our century-old industrial society have become blatantly apparent.” It is a time that offers the opportunity to “lead the way towards the establishment of a vibrant, diverse, dynamic, robustly democratic society.”(p3)

The future beckons.