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Opportunity in crisis

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.

Values into action

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. 

Protecting the sacred

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.

Community across differences

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. 

Pat McCabe & Bayo Akomolafe

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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Conflict is a contagion, not a straight line

Conflict is a contagion, not a straight line

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...

Beyond liminality:  Tuning in to a bigger story

Beyond liminality: Tuning in to a bigger story

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 ...

Afghanistan: what can I do, how can I help?

Afghanistan: what can I do, how can I help?

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...

Moral courage in a divided world

Moral courage in a divided world

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...

What happens when we sit in circles

What happens when we sit in circles

Guest blogger, Pelin Turgut writes about the power of circles to create social healing.   Practicing the power of groups We live in strange times, teetering nervously on the edge of radically...

Seeking holy wells for our time 

Seeking holy wells for our time 

Justine Huxley reflects on a New Year’s Day pilgrimage, shares an experience of ritual, and leaves us with an unanswered question about the source of spiritual regeneration in our times. ...

Conflict is a contagion, not a straight line

Conflict is a contagion, not a straight line

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...

Beyond liminality:  Tuning in to a bigger story

Beyond liminality: Tuning in to a bigger story

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 ...

Afghanistan: what can I do, how can I help?

Afghanistan: what can I do, how can I help?

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...

Moral courage in a divided world

Moral courage in a divided world

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...

What happens when we sit in circles

What happens when we sit in circles

Guest blogger, Pelin Turgut writes about the power of circles to create social healing.   Practicing the power of groups We live in strange times, teetering nervously on the edge of radically...

Seeking holy wells for our time 

Seeking holy wells for our time 

Justine Huxley reflects on a New Year’s Day pilgrimage, shares an experience of ritual, and leaves us with an unanswered question about the source of spiritual regeneration in our times. ...

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