Dear ministers and student friends

We've been reminded again this week, dramatically in the news every evening, that so many institutions in our society are experiencing a crisis of values. In recent years - the banks, churches and MPs. Now, the media and the police. At times like this, as we witness so much behaviour based on fear and the absence of love, I find myself even more thankful for the gift of being grounded in Spirit, and conscious of how important our contribution as conscious ministers is - alongside so many others - to making the world a better place.

Within the Interfaith Seminary it's also a particularly intense and challenging time. Right now, the first year students are gathering at Croydon Hall for their end-of-year retreat. In the coming week, the two second year groups meet for their pre-Ordination retreat, including the vow-taking ceremony. All of their individual journeys reach a culmination now; and the exquisite service offered by our faculty and mentors and staff team attains a new depth. Next Saturday (16th July), 40 new interfaith ministers will be ordained.

Please do join us in London for the day if you can, to hold this sacred space, to share in the joyful occasion, to honour the bold call to service that is being answered by each new minister - and to be renewed in our own.

In love and service

Rob MacLachlan
Chair of trustees