A new Institute for Christian Ethics, promoting the study and understanding of faith in relation to public life, is being launched this week in Cambridge.

From 1993-2006, the Whitefield Institute, initially under the leadership of Dr David Cook, provided research, lectures and in-depth analysis for use by the church and media on Christian ethics, education and apologetics.

Now the Kirby Laing Institute for Christian Ethics (KLICE) will seek to develop that work with a new focus, a new director, and a new name.

On Wednesday 24 January, KLICE celebrates its launch from its new base in Tyndale House in Cambridge, a worldwide centre of excellence in post-graduate biblical studies. There, its new director, Dr Jonathan Chaplin, will head a range of strategic research activities and events exploring how faith can, and should, permeate public life in today's contemporary world.

In the afternoon, Dr Chaplin will give the inaugural lecture, 'Speaking from Faith in Democracy', to associates, academics and organisational leaders at Cambridge University's Divinity Faculty. From there, invited guests will join the council and director of KLICE for the official opening at Tyndale House.

Dr Chaplin said: "I am delighted to have been asked to move forward the work of the Whitefield Institute, and the work of David Cook. With the backing of the Kirby Laing Foundation, KLICE has a strong base from which to provide quality research and resources in an increasingly important area."