Regional theology conferences like Baptist Theology North serve an important function in the UK Christian landscape. They bring serious theological engagement to locations outside the usual London and Oxford circuit, making academic-quality teaching accessible to ministers and church leaders who may not have the time or budget to attend national events.

The theme of peace and conflict is urgently relevant. With ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, churches are being asked difficult questions about Christian responses to violence, the ethics of armed conflict, and the theology of peacemaking. Dr Helen Paynter and Professor Joshua Searle bring academic rigour to these questions while remaining connected to the pastoral realities of local church life.

For publishers, this conference theme points to a growing market for resources on peace theology, conflict resolution, and Christian ethics in times of war. Study guides that help small groups engage with these issues would be particularly valuable.

The Baptist Union's investment in regional theological events is commendable. It reflects a commitment to the intellectual life of the church that goes beyond the Sunday sermon, and it provides a model that other denominations might consider replicating.