Contemplation and Community: A Gathering of Fresh Voices for a Living Tradition

＂All around the world a resurgence of Christian contemplative living is creating a new framework for spirituality inside and outside of formal religion. Building on and expanding from the thoughts and works of such as Richard Rohr, Thomas Keating, Tilden Edwards, Laurence Freeman, and other founding members of the modern contemplative movement, a new movement carries on the work of their mentors. This collection brings together the diverse voices who have emerged as new leaders of the contemplative movement. Exploring a multitude of themes, such as silence, imagination, meditation, embodiment, community and social action, this volume introduces the new voices who reflect globally on the gifts, challenges, differences and commonalities of Christian contemplation today for communities and people of faith.＂

Jessica (Jessie) M. Smith, Ph.D., is an educator and writer at heart, who is deeply committed to spiritual practice, faith-based public engagement, and theological reflection. After receiving her doctorate in theological studies from Emory University, she currently serves on the board of directors of the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation and as Senior Executive Director of Research, Planning, and Spiritual Formation at The General Board of Church and Society of The United Methodist Church in Washington, DC. Stuart Higginbotham, an Episcopal priest, is the rector of Grace Episcopal Church, Gainesville, GA. His contemplative practice has been nurtured by time with the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation and the World Community for Christian Meditation. His current work and writing focuses on the intersection of contemplative practice, leadership development, and congregational ministry. He writes at www.contemplativereformation.com. Contributors: Thomas Bushlack Sarah Bachelard Sicco Claus Kirsten Oates Bo Karen Lee Mark Longhurst Phileena Heuertz Leonardo Correa Mark Kutolowski Matthew Wrights