Book: Transcendence

This inspiring volume from Westminster Interfaith brings together Sacred Scripture, writings and poems from a range of religious, cultural and spiritual traditions to create a wonderful resource exploring twelve themes from an interfaith perspective. As the subtitle indicates, it is the Prayer of People of Faith.

Published in honour of Brother Daniel Faivre SG, who founded Westminster Interfaith in 1981, this fourth edition includes further texts and an additional chapter. The book starts with a prayer from Brother Daniel, before introducing him to us as a humble but trailblazing lifelong advocate for interfaith relations between people. It then offers a brief extract from Michael Barnes SJ on 'Listening to the Sacred' to unpack and explore a little about the interfaith context and other faith traditions, particularly from the perspective of Christianity.

The main body of the book contains writings, from different faith traditions, that enable us to go deeper into exploring aspects of God, the Divine, spirituality and our relationship with them, drawing on a wide range of carefully selected texts. The chapters cover a range of thought-provoking themes on Transcendence, Presence, Light, Creation, Providence, Praise, Union, Compassion, Love and Devotion, Peace, Life Eternal and, in a timely final chapter at this time of ecological crisis, One Earth. Each text starts with a very brief introduction giving a useful context and there is also a helpful glossary at the back to aid understanding and help make the book accessible and usable by both the expert and the novice.

While this book would most definitely be a wonderful addition to any bookshelf, it could be particularly useful in interfaith and chaplaincy contexts with its variety of concise but impactful texts. It offers the opportunity to explore the twelve themes from a variety of world visions, that then complement each other and flow together, whilst perhaps also gently challenging us to see things from both familiar and unfamiliar perspectives. The texts can be used for individual reflection, prayer and study to bring comfort, hope, understanding or wonder. Used in a group context they could encourage reflection and create discussion between adults or young people of all faiths and none. They could also be used as part of a liturgy or service in a variety of settings.

This expanded edition will hopefully introduce those who are new to this book to the inspiring and important work of Brother Daniel and Westminster Interfaith, whilst at the same time offering those familiar with this work an opportunity to be re-inspired and re-invigorated. It can offer support and encouragement to those working in an interfaith context, or for those just exploring what the wisdom contained within these writings could be saying to them and to all of us.

To order a copy of this book, go to New City website: www.newcity.co.uk/books/transcendence, or attend the Book Launch at the London Jesuit Centre on Tuesday, 5th September 10.30-2.30 by contacting Jon Dal Din (jondaldin@email.com) 07527 758 729 or Sister Elizabeth (elizabethodonohoe@gmail.com) 07946 591 564.

Aisling Griffin is Pax Christi's Schools and Youth Education Officer.