Breathing Space is . . .

an opportunity in the North East of England for people to explore and share ideas and experiences on their faith journey. In its present form, it began in 2002, holding day conferences usually at the University of Northumbria in Newcastle upon Tyne.

It is not a group or a party, nor does it belong to any particular 'churchmanship' or denomination. It is a loose network of what might be called 'thinking Christians and others' of a range of backgrounds. This is not to imply that other Christians don't think, but rather that this is the accent of Breathing Space.

Speakers in 2005

Dr. Salman Sayyid, Saturday July 23rd 10.a.m - 1.p.m.

"A fundamental fear? Wither Islamism? Wither Eurocentrism?" this internationally renowned scholar will offer his own perspective to help us to a clearer understanding of our current world situation.

Keith Ward, October 15th - 10 a.m. - 2.45.p.m.

- author of "The Case for Religion" a former Oxford Theology Professor

Dr. John Vincent, on Saturday November 12th.

of the Urban Theology Unit, Sheffield, and the Christian Ashram Movement
on "Radical Christianity" - at Middlesbrough Quaker Meeting House, 131 Cambridge Road, Middlesbrough (just off A19 junction with A1130)

Speakers

We have run a series of days and a retreat, as well as various groups. Between 50 and 160 people have come to these days. Speakers have ranged from Richard Holloway and Jack Spong elaborating themes in their books, to Dave Tomlinson the maverick evangelical pastor turned Anglican priest on "Post-Evangelicalism" and James Alison, Catholic lay theologian, elaborating on themes in his book "Faith Beyond Resentment - fragments catholic and gay". Often the speaker at the Saturday conference has also been the preacher on Sunday morning at St. Thomas' Church in Newcastle where Kit Widdows is the Vicar.

Ann Morisey the Social Responsibility Officer for London diocese, and Quakers Tom Shakespeare with Jackie Leach Scully (on genetics) have explored some practical applications of theological ideas on values and actions in society.

Planning Group

The small planning group which meets from time to time is chaired by John Sadler, a priest who works in the community around the famous Byker Wall housing complex. At present that group consists of a couple of Anglicans, a couple of Quakers, and a Roman Catholic. We have had participants from the Free Churches - and hope to again.

Breathing Space is a safe space. It is a space where people respect and listen to one another's journeys, questions and ideas. It is a space where the Spirit (divine and/or human) moves gently but effectively. It is a space where the inner light shines bright and to which all are welcome.

We are making links with other groups in other parts of the country, and particularly with the Centre for Radical Theology at St. Mark's Sheffield, and the Progressive Christianity Network. Some of us are members of the Catholic Women's Network, CANA - Christians Awakening to a New Awareness, Sea of Faith, and Living Spirituality Network. For more information go to "Networks"

Linked groups

There are some linked groups, nurtured by people involved in Breathing Space, like the one that meets to explore theological and spiritual perspectives at the Chaplaincy at the University of Newcastle.

On Teesside - 40 miles away - another linked group have started a quarterly Book Club Journeyings at Middlesbrough Quaker Meeting House. For more details go to "Book Club".

Journeyings will meet on a Sunday evening and the following Thursday afternoon to enable people with contrasting commitments to come to either session that they can manage to get to. The dates for 2005 are

Sundays 7 - 9 p.m. April 17th July 10th October 9

Thursdays 2.30 - 4.30 p.m. April 21st July 14th October 13

People involved in Journeyings have also been exploring concepts of "listening liturgy" in which the Quaker emphasis on silent waiting on the Spirit has been allied with some music, movement, readings, visual art, and symbolic gestures.