Our Story

The Continuing the journey Conference was born in the 1980s in an era when counselling, psychotherapy, social and community work were viewed as secular disciplines, and practitioners with a Christian faith found few places where they could articulate the connections they wanted to make between their profession and their faith.  At the same time, there were those within the ministry of the church who wanted to discover how their pastoral practice could be enriched by the insights coming out of these relatively new professions.

Over the years, Continuing the journey has aimed to provide a safe meeting place for those who find themselves wanting to explore the margins and the common ground between counselling, pastoral care, therapeutic or psychological work, and also spirituality, theology and faith issues. The conference provides a bridge where people can meet each other across the gaps which sometimes divide us, become more aware of their edges and work the tensions in this ‘true but temporary’ community.

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2021 Conference – Bookings Now Open Here Be Dragons

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Continuing the journey is a Biennial Conference exploring theology, psychology and spirituality. Anybody who wants to deepen both their faith and calling through creative engagement with each other and with God is welcome to join the conference. Previously the conference has attracted spiritual directors, pastoral carers, counsellors, psychotherapists, psychologists, social and community workers, pastoral theologians, carers, priests and ministers from all parts of the church.

 

Conference 2021 - 'Here Be Dragons'

Where

Where

The Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick, Alfreton, Derbyshire

When

When

26th – 30th April 2021

Time

Time

3pm, 26th April – 2pm, 30th April

Meet the speakers

The conference will include plenary sessions, workshops and small group work. In addition, each day will have worship and opportunities for reflection, relaxation and sharing. As a special treat we will have an evening of entertainment on the Thursday night!
Canon Rachel Mann

Canon Rachel Mann

Canon Rachel Mann is an Anglican parish priest, poet and scholar. She writes across a wide field of subjects, including sexuality, gender, poetry and popular culture. Her books include ‘Fierce Imaginings’, a study of the myths and rituals embedded in the Great War, and Dazzling Darkness, a theological memoir of growing up trans.

Padraig O Tuama

Pádraig Ó Tuama

Pádraig Ó Tuama is a poet and a theologian from Ireland. With interests in conflict, religion and poetry, he lectures, writes, leads retreats and speaks both in Ireland and internationally. From 2014-2019 he was the leader of the Corrymeela Community, Ireland’s oldest peace and reconciliation organisation.

Reverend Canon Mark Oakley

Reverend Canon Mark Oakley

Reverend Canon Mark Oakley is Dean of St John’s College Cambridge and former Chancellor of St Paul’s Cathedral. Mark’s interests are the relationship between faith and poetry, human rights and the language andplace of faith in the contemporary world.

Julienne McLean

Julienne McLean

Julienne McLean practices as a psychologist, psychotherapist and Jungian analyst in north London, as well as being a spiritual director. She has had a lifelong involvement in the Christian contemplative tradition, with a particular interest in the relationship between modern depth psychology and contemplative prayer.

FAQ's

Continuing the journey is a Biennial Conference exploring theology, psychology and spirituality. Anybody who wants to deepen both their faith and calling through creative engagement with each other and with God is welcome to join the conference.Previously the conference has attracted spiritual directors, pastoral carers, counsellors, psychotherapists, psychologists, social and community workers, pastoral theologians, carers, priests and ministers from all parts of the church.

Accommodation

The Hayes Conference Centre is set in beautiful Derbyshire countryside with easy road, rail and air links. The grounds provide a restful setting with scope for short walks and there is free time built into our programme in which you can explore further afield.

Quotes from 2018