RADICAL HOSPITALITY One of the biggest concerns our General Assembly has at the moment is the way we welcome visitors and newcomers to our worship services and other church-based events. This topic goes much more deeply than the words of greeting or the invitation to take part in a coffee morning. It can involve subtle forms of discrimination, exclusion and even hostile behaviour. In order to address the complete range of receptions that greet people when they enter one of our houses of worship, the Faith and Public Issues Commission, in tandem with the Denominational Support Commission, is embarking on a programe of “Radical Hospitality.” This effort takes its name from a book of the same title that was published in 2002, and which attempts to de-construct the practical theology of Saint Benedict (c. 480-540 AD). The effort began at this year’s Annual Meetings in Hatfield, when participants in a workshop were asked to share their own accounts of the best and worst examples of hospitality they had encountered. It was surprising how many and how varied the stories were that people had to tell. Ten members of both the Ainsworth and Bury congregations will take part in a retreat from 25 to 29 August at the Franciscan Friary in Alnmouth, Northumberland. In addition to benefiting from the daily routine of meals, worship, free time and rest, the group will also explore some of the issues presented by the Radical Hospitality approach. This could mean simply observing how the brothers of the community relate to one another and to the guests. It could mean discussing with one another how other communities have welcomed or not welcomed them in the past. The time and distance away from one’s normal patterns of living may even allow greater light to be shed on each person’s own conduct of extending hospitality in every day life. At its best, the retreat will encourage the participants to return to their respective congregations and share some of the personal insights they will have gained from the experience. It is hoped that such retreats will become an annual fixture in our calendar, and that religious communities of other faith traditions will be visited. I hope that all members and friends of both congregations will have some opportunity in this final summer month to enjoy a holiday, or take advantage of the season to visit with friends and family, or perhaps set aside some time for personal renewal. I am off at the beginning of the month to go camping in Aberdovey, Wales. I am praying for dry ground! JEFF BOOK CLUB |
