CONVERSATIONS – REDEEMING PROPHECY
Richard Roberts was interviewed by Clive Orchard, at the time the warden and team leader at the Ffald y Brenin retreat centre. The interview focuses on his book Redeeming Prophecy.
GIVING A TALK
In our meetings on Sundays and other occasions we share in a variety of ways and styles, including giving talks. Richard Roberts has recorded this video to provide guidelines for our online and face-to-face talks.
CREATING SPACES OF TRUST
We often spend time together reflecting on bible passages and topics in connection with our faith. Here are some guidelines which help us in our discussions and interactions with one another. You can also download a PDF version of the document here.
Creating Spaces of Trust
Give and Receive Welcome
Extend hospitality, and presume welcome, too. This includes welcome and support for diverse perspectives, opinions and approaches.
Be Present as Fully as Possible
Bring all of yourself – your doubts, fears, and failings as well as your convictions, joys and successes, your listening as well as your speaking.
Extend Invitation, Not Demand
Participation by listening with care is no less a contribution than participation by speaking with care.
Speak Your Truth in Ways That Respect Other People’s Truth
When you’re getting to know people it’s vital to share stories across lines of difference, not to debate who’s right or wrong, and not to cast blame or shame.
No Fixing, Saving, Advising, or Correcting Each Other
Good leaders point their team in a direction where they can find answers and also instil the belief that team members have the gifts and capacity to make good decisions the leaders will support.
When the Going Gets Rough, Turn to Wonder
If you feel judgmental, or defensive . . . ask yourself, “I wonder what brought her to this belief?” “I wonder what he’s feeling right now?”, “I wonder what my reaction teaches me about myself?”
Practice Asking Open, Honest Questions
Open, honest questions are the ones you cannot possibly know the answer to in advance; they are meant to elicit insights, to help people access their own resourcefulness.
Attend to Your Own Inner Teacher
As you listen to and interact with others, pay close attention to your own reactions and responses.
Trust and Learn from the Silence
Silence, or stillness, is a gift in our noisy world, and a way of knowing in itself.
Commit to and Maintain Confidentiality
People are more likely to trust each other when they know that their words and stories will remain with those with whom they choose to share them, and will never be passed on to others without permission.
Know That It’s Possible for the Seeds Planted Here to Keep Growing
We stand in many tragic gaps in life and recognize that our vocation lies somewhere between what is real and what can be.
BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN CATHOLICS AND PROTESTANTS
In October 2019, Richard Roberts of The Meeting Place Beaminster was interviewed about his work with the Vatican on CBN (Christian Broadcasting Network) in the USA. One of the interviews can be seen at www1.cbn.com/bridging-gap-between-protestants-and-catholics