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In 1993, the IRA bomb detonated on Bishopsgate, almost completely destroying the church. Yet vision, creativity and commitment ensured that ten years later it opened its doors once again in a new incarnation – as a Centre for Reconciliation and Peace. For many, St Ethelburga’s has become an iconic symbol of the opportunities for growth and evolution that are hidden within crisis and conflict. This story is at the heart of our approach to working with difference and disagreement.
The life of St Ethelburga was characterised by courageous action in the face of devastation. Ethelburga was a fearless and selfless leader. When the plague came to her doorstep in Barking, Ethelburga gave her nuns a choice: close the doors and pray, or open the doors and serve the community. They chose to serve, even knowing that many of them would die as a result. Ethelburga is our inspiration for putting spiritual values into action in challenging times, for bringing faith and action together as one.
St Ethelburga’s is one of London’s most enduring church buildings. An 800-year-old church site, it has stood for centuries as consecrated ground. Now, surrounded on all sides by development works, skyscrapers, and the economically-driven activity of the City, St Ethelburga’s remains true to its ancient purpose. We continue to offer a space for connection with the sacred and with our deepest human values, protecting them against erosion.
Our Bedouin tent was built as a response to 9/11. The tent is welcoming to all, bringing Eastern architecture alongside the Western heritage of the church. It is a space without hierarchy where differing perspectives can be explored. Reflected in the fabric of our building, this theme of diverse narratives and belief systems co-existing fruitfully, side by side, is present within all our projects.
Join Pat McCabe and Bayo Akomolafe for a conversation that upends our thinking about the monstrous, the chaotic, and the dark. What can indigenous traditions teach us about clear-seeing in times when darkness and chaos are on the rise? What ancient wisdoms can we draw upon, to grow our resilience to live in the heart of the storm?
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By Clare Coyne When I left the immersive retreat for inner and outer resilience at 42 Acres earlier this month – facilitated wonderfully by Justine and Tarot from St. Ethelburga’s – I...
Seetha Tan writes about her experience at Migrateful’s cookery class with Chef Awa. St Ethelburga’s Centre hosts Migrateful cookery classes twice a month, working with migrants, refugees...
An exploration of the HHC model with Sophy Banks We speak with facilitator and teacher Sophy Banks about what makes a human culture healthy and resilient. Sophy has been a trainer for over 20 years,...
Clare Martin writes about how the fire of conflict spreads among not just foes, but friends. She reflects on the metaphor of the fire within, and how the flame of enthusiasm can light up our hope...
Justine Huxley shares about a new book. She describes witnessing a time of global liminality and explores how we can be sustained by trusting in the vaster cycles of life. “From rites of ...
Earlier this month we invited Fahima Zaheen, Executive Director of Afghan Association Paiwand and Gulwali Passarlay, author and refugee rights activist to provide insight into their work with with...
Below is a transcript of Clare Martin’s talk available on youtube here on the theme ‘What is moral courage in a divided world?’ In it she gives a brief introduction to the concept of...
Clare Martin writes about uplifting ambiguity as a civic virtue for our time. My daughter and her friend have this game called ‘Would You Rather?’ In it, Player 1 suggests two deadly or disgusting...
Justine Huxley writes about how we can balance the need to engage, witness and be present to what is happening, with staying inwardly stable, joyful and nourished. She shares three practices for...
By Clare Coyne When I left the immersive retreat for inner and outer resilience at 42 Acres earlier this month – facilitated wonderfully by Justine and Tarot from St. Ethelburga’s – I...
Seetha Tan writes about her experience at Migrateful’s cookery class with Chef Awa. St Ethelburga’s Centre hosts Migrateful cookery classes twice a month, working with migrants, refugees...
An exploration of the HHC model with Sophy Banks We speak with facilitator and teacher Sophy Banks about what makes a human culture healthy and resilient. Sophy has been a trainer for over 20 years,...
Clare Martin writes about how the fire of conflict spreads among not just foes, but friends. She reflects on the metaphor of the fire within, and how the flame of enthusiasm can light up our hope...
Justine Huxley shares about a new book. She describes witnessing a time of global liminality and explores how we can be sustained by trusting in the vaster cycles of life. “From rites of ...
Earlier this month we invited Fahima Zaheen, Executive Director of Afghan Association Paiwand and Gulwali Passarlay, author and refugee rights activist to provide insight into their work with with...
Below is a transcript of Clare Martin’s talk available on youtube here on the theme ‘What is moral courage in a divided world?’ In it she gives a brief introduction to the concept of...
Clare Martin writes about uplifting ambiguity as a civic virtue for our time. My daughter and her friend have this game called ‘Would You Rather?’ In it, Player 1 suggests two deadly or disgusting...
Justine Huxley writes about how we can balance the need to engage, witness and be present to what is happening, with staying inwardly stable, joyful and nourished. She shares three practices for...
St Ethelburga’s is a ‘maker of peace-makers’. We inspire and equip individuals and communities to contribute, in their own particular contexts, to activating a global culture of peace.
