Another Great Conference

Paul Kingsnorth opened his Friday evening talk by remarking that he traveled 4,000 miles to talk with us about localism. The many talks and conversations that followed over the next day addressed more of the ironies and tensions endemic to living well as humans in an age dominated by machines. But as usual, FPR speakers and attendees relied on good humor and the possibilities of hope-giving work in navigating these challenges.

One of the particular delights of FPR conferences is the wide range of people who gather: farmers and academics, truckers and housewives, tech workers and artists, socialists and anarchists, Anabaptists and Catholics and agnostics. What unites us? Paul suggested that at the heart of his writing and thinking over the years lies two convictions: a suspicion of power and a desire for roots. That’s a pretty good summary of FPR’s center of gravity.

If you weren’t able to join us in person, or if you want to go back and listen to some of the talks again, we plan to post video and audio recordings in the coming days. And we’re already making plans for next fall’s gathering. Thanks to all who came and made this one another delightful and invigorating weekend.