A rich mine for reflection

SILENCE AND SOLIDARITY: Celebrating 30 years of the Centre for Christian Spirituality. Barnabas Publishers (Wellington, SA). 2017.

Reviewed by Elsabe O’Leary

This is a most extraordinary anthology, dedicated to Anglican Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu. It pays wonderful tribute to Rev Francis Cull, who was the first director of the Centre for Christian Spirituality, and acknowledges those who have been part of holding and guiding its vision and work.

In these pages one meets a wide variety of people and organisations that have contributed to building a growing and open community of those who seek silence while searching for an expression of solidarity and compassion.

This book is a colourful window into the life of the centre. The chapters titled “Voices from the past”, “Silence and Solitude”, “Community and Training”, “Beauty and Creativity” and “Solidarity” surprised me with the breadth and depth of the lives touched through the spiritual formation, retreats, programmes and outreach over these 30 years.

Essays in the book explore both contemplative prayer and how we are transformed by prayer, as well as solidarity with transitional realities in our society and our care for Mother Earth.

The reader encounters a rich diversity through those who share something of their personal experience. The centre’s engagement with the many pathways to a deeper encounter with God is made visible in the pieces on Taizé, Celtic spirituality, the Shalom Institute, creation spirituality, the Parliament of the World’s Religions, the Cape Town Interfaith Initiative and many more.

The prayers, poetry, prose, photographs, descriptions of programmes and other contributions offer a wealth of inspiring material for reflection and a heart filled with gratitude.

To order, e-mail Sally Argent at sally.argent @gmail.com.