Community in Diversity Gathering of the Australian Spiritual Direction Community
As early beginnings birthed a creative vision for Spiritual Direction across Australia, a community of spirituality has connected and progressed the vision. Since those early beginnings we have journeyed in contemplative communion – together and apart – across this vast continent, in both place and time.
As we come to our National Gathering in 2021, we acknowledge our rich and diverse beginnings, dwell in the present moment together, and seek to gain a sense of tomorrow. On 16-18th July, we are offering exactly that; though apart, we can be together through conversations with founders, engaging with each other in the moment, and looking towards our next steps together. This is an opportunity to draw aside in conversation, shared wisdom, learning, and even audacious dreaming – a refreshment of spirit through the gift of a virtual gathering.
Friday evening we will hear from Jill Manton, founder of the Wellspring Centre in Melbourne. Jill and others will share some of the audacious dreaming that founded spiritual direction in Australia, as well as the essence of spiritual companioning which holds us in communion today, even in the midst of diversity. Saturday holds the invitation to listen to a number of voices and to join with others in dreaming of a way to bring communion. There will be a dozen or so different presenters representing marginalized groups, eg: disability, cross-cultural, sexual orientation, mental health, refugees. Participants will be able to choose which topics and speakers they’d like to hear, followed by a break out group for contemplative dialogue. Sunday will see these threads drawn together as we seek a future for spiritual companioning in the midst of both communion and diversity.
This is a gathering organised by AECSD including ANSD, CSD, Companions and others.
More details including speakers and costs will be on our website shortly: www.spiritualdirection.org.au
