the lotus and the cross

When John Drury (Christian) and David Midgley (Buddhist) met at an Interfaith event in India they agreed on their return to West Yorkshire to set up a Buddhist—Christian meditation group. At the same time Ray Gaston, now our vicar, who was then curate of the Church of the Epiphany in Gipton, was aware of a small number of Christian—Buddhist couples in Leeds, of whom some were members of All Hallows. Ray had been involved in Christian—Buddhist dialogue for a number of years, and organised a day at Foster Place retreat centre for the couples he knew of and for others who were interested. John and David heard about the day and made contact. David attended, and they agreed to merge the two projects and to start meeting regularly. Ray was just about to start as Vicar of All Hallows, and the PCC agreed to the group using All Hallows as a meeting place.

The group has been meeting regularly, normally at 7.30 pm on the third Sunday of each month. However, as from October 2003 the group is in abeyance — if and when it re-starts we will announce it here.

Our evenings together have included short readings and chants from both traditions and a time of meditation, followed by a short break and then a group discussion.

‘True understanding comes from true practice. Understanding and love are values that transcend all dogma. When you are a truly happy Christian, you are also a Buddhist, and vice versa.’

Thich Nhat Hanh

This page was last updated on Saturday, 07 May 2005

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