Eremos

Two interesting things happened while this issue was on its way to the printer: an Australian Prime Minister became the first Western leader to address the Chinese people in Mandarin, and the Anglican Church of Australia elected its first woman bishop. It’s fitting that we have two articles which touch on these topics: Robyn Moloney writes on the social and spiritual value for humanity of immersing children in another language and culture, and Fiona Johnston researches the story of Mary Magdalene, positing the detrimental effect of her gender on her status as a beloved disciple of Jesus. In the election of Kay Goldsworthy, we see one ‘stained glass ceiling’ broken through at last.

Don Meadows starts this issue with a look at psychotherapy and spirituality in partnership, and the importance of this relationship. This is followed by William Emilsen valuing the sense of smell and its role in Christian spirituality. Anne Elvey’s poem is evocative in expanding this sentiment. Rosalind Bradley undertook an ambitious project which paid off beautifully in the form of a book collecting prayers and reflections of well-known contemporary Australians. Peter Newall mulls over questions of faith, accompanied by Pippy, who relishes every bound taken in the sheer joy of a walk with his master. Poet Fiona Johnston pushes Tom, at home in his stroller, past three homeless men, and reflects upon the ‘eternal guests in our midst’.

Gill Burrows writes about the work of Pace e Bene in Australia, inviting us to take a journey of nonviolence with them— a timely call in today’s world. In reviewing Jim Wallis’ book, Lynne Roberts tackles the mystery of American politics, the twists and turns of which we are watching in the lead-up to the Presidential election later this year. Sue Emeleus concludes the issue with her usual column on her favourite books of late.

I say ‘concludes’, but EREMOS of course continues with the important ‘Info Pages’. Here we present the gatherings and activities Eremos undertakes, from the Sydney retreats to the book and discussion groups meeting across Australia. We also publish a ‘Noticeboard’ where we let members know what like-minded organisations are offering this quarter. This has been a longstanding tradition, keeping Eremos in touch with other organisations.

On page 36, a new venture is outlined. Read ‘Out of Eremos’ and see if you would like to be part of these gatherings, wherever you are.

And yes, the new web site should be up and running by the time you read this. If not, it won’t be long. Patience is required while the site construction is completed— yours truly has to scan all past issues for the archives, for example. Rob Brennan is digitising all audio cassettes of Eremos seminars over its long history. Takes a while, but we’ll get there!

In the meantime, enjoy this issue, travel well and send comment, feedback and letters to the editor.

- Jacquie Pryor