On January 30, Debbie Ducille and hundreds of others tuned in for a fascinating online evening lecture, offered by the Guild of Health and St Raphael/GoHealth, featuring Professor John Swinton. The lecture was entitled, ‘Restorative Presence - creating spaces of belonging and paths to healing.’
In advance of this year’s Denis Duncan lecture, participants were invited to ponder:
In a world fractured by loneliness and division, this lecture explores how to create healing communities of presence and belonging founded on the ministry of Jesus. With stories, practical suggestions and profound theology, John invites each of us into a vision of Christian community that does not seek to ‘fix’ brokenness but rather honour each person’ unique journey, particularly where the struggle is with mental health.
‘The lecture is now available on YouTube and well worth a watch!’ says Debbie. ‘I was particularly struck by John’s challenge that we each hold an element of community responsibility in wholeness – that we are each inherently involved in each other’s wellbeing to an extent.’
‘This reflection felt highly pertinent to the ministry of Anna Chaplains as ones who accompany older people, offering a ministry of presence. This is a discipline of love that can be practised anywhere, and allows us, extraordinarily, to join in the restorative work of God.’
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