The Art of Spiritual Writing – 31 Jan 2026, 10am-12noon
Writing is not something that naturally occurs within the process of Spiritual Direction these days. And yet it can be a very effective way of opening doors to shed more light on the identity and spiritual journey of the companion. This event will provide some simple effective tools to help to open those occasionally sticking doors and to promote a deeper rapport.
Hosted by Richard and Eirene Palmer who have recently published The Art of Spiritual Writing, discovering your most authentic writing … and more about yourself on the way, published by Darton, Longman and Todd. They facilitate retreats and courses on spiritual writing and the spiritual journey. Richard served nationally as Groups’ Coordinator for the Association of Christian Writers. Eirene runs a blog, backstreetpilgrim.com.
Support and Resource Group Event with David Runcorn: Telling it Slant Following Jesus could leave even St Paul saying, ‘now we see dimly’. It is altogether too wonderful and beyond human understanding to be reduced to questions and answers. We find ourselves in the quirky, even contradictory world of parables, led down apparent side tracks,…
The Spiritual Director: Practising the Charism of Presence and Attention In The Spiritual Director, Julia Mourant invites practitioners into a deeper understanding of this sacred ministry, embracing its charism as a way of being rather than a set of skills. She explores the distinctive nature of spiritual direction as both vocation and spiritual gift, grounded…
Profiling ourselves as Spiritual Directors with Ray AndrewsMay 2024 Drawing on his own experience Ray explored how we might profile ourselves as spiritual directors or accompaniers – and how this can help or hinder those seeking direction. The Revd Ray Andrews is the Diocesan Spirituality Adviser for the Church of England Diocese in Europe. He…
Follow up resources to Professor Nicola Slee’s presentation. Reading list: Nicola’s list for exploring the subject further. Blessing: Blessing prayer written by Nicola and used at the beginning. Our light our peace our joy a prayer by Nicola and used in the session inspired by Simeon the Theologian. Chat: Read comments, recommendations and questions given by…
Spiritual Direction Forum 2025 – 8 November Our online day conference explored the interplay of theology, spirituality and spiritual direction and how this is an integral part of Christian spiritual direction. The day included two presentations, time for reflection and group work. You can view the presentations and the slides here. Also, is a summary…
Night Sea Journeying by Fiona Gardner Subtitled ‘Soul Recovery from Childhood Trauma’, this book by Forum member Fiona Gardner is about how past trauma can affect us long into adulthood, and the part that spiritual renewal can play in managing this. Fellow Forum member Catherine Williams is acknowledged in the book for her support of…
Group 3. To advocate and encourage the creative development of this ministry within the church and in a changing world by
Group Members: Julie Dunstan, Chris Chapman, Julia Mourant, Naomi Gates and Sarah Lear
Group 2. To promote and protect good practice by
Group Members: Susanne Carlsson, Nick Helm, Chris Mason, Rachel Overton, Ruth Holgate

We desire

In the same spirit in which Spiritual Direction is conducted, we will endeavour to:

Create a Core Committee
Create three working groups to represent the three faces of the forum
The committee has been operating from the beginning. Current membership is: Nick Helm & Julie Dunstan (co-chairs), Ruth Holgate, Susanne Carlsson, Catherine Williams.
It has:
Group 1. To support and resource spiritual directors by
Group Members: Catherine Williams (Chair), Ray Andrews, Mary Flitcroft, Henriette Howarth, Peter Rainford & Vron Smith