Luke Penkett, Chair of the Henri Nouwen Society Welcomes Friends at Official Launch

September 15th, 2010

The Henri Nouwen Society UK was launched at the London Centre for Spirituality, with the generous support of Ken Browne and his team there, on Monday, 17 May, 2010 in response to the ever-growing number of people in the UK whose lives have been touched by the writings of Henri Nouwen, one of the most prolific and widely read spiritual writers of the twentieth century. Amongst these are a great many who wish to share Henri’s teachings with others.

The speakers included Greg Pennoyer (HNS), Michael Ford, (Wounded Prophet - a portrait of Henri J.M. Nouwen), Andrew Kennedy, (‘A New Way to Live’ in Befriending Life: encounters with Henri Nouwen) and Luke Penkett (L’Arche).

Philip Roderick played part of a conversation he recorded with Henri that was later published as Beloved, and performed for us, on his ambient Hang drum, a metaphor for how he perceives Henri’s gift for dancing with both the ancient traditions of Christian theology and spirituality and with contemporary personal and psychological insight, a metaphor of tradition and spontaneity in Henri’s person and work.

Alex Volossevich, who drops into the Centre from time to time, had come in earlier that day with a poem he had written entitled "The Wounded Healer". Alex wasn’t aware that we had our launch that evening but, when told, returned later and was invited to read his poem to us.

In the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Message read at the launch, His Grace wrote:

‘Henri Nouwen remains for so many people a deeply integrative figure, who holds together traditional teaching on the life of the spirit, fresh and searching approaches to Scripture and a profound sensitivity to the fragmentary and tragic qualities of life in today’s world. His own honesty and vulnerability have been a sign of hope to those who have read him and prayed with him; in so many ways, he has spoken of the Christian insight that strength lies in weakness faced and accepted. Life and work alike reflect this, and Nouwen continues to be a teacher for whom countless Christians – and others – give thanks.’

There was a wonderful turnout for our launch and an overwhelming number of folk – over 200 – have expressed an interest in the Society. Now we begin our second phase! Our committee would like to know your ideas for the Society in the UK. How would you like us to move forward? At the launch a number of ideas were discussed. Now we need to consolidate these and look to the future!

Thanks to the collaboration of the HNS, we will soon have a page on their website dedicated to our UK members and we shall be sending a newsletter to our members who do not have access to the internet. This would keep us all abreast of gatherings, Quiet Days, new publications and other initiatives.

The Society is able to support talks and retreats by providing experienced speakers and leaders. Would your group like to arrange a meeting?

Our membership extends throughout the UK and includes the Channel Islands! Henri travelled widely and made friends wherever he went. Would you like to arrange an event locally?

Would you like to have details about new books on Henri, or are you new to the his writings and would like some starting points?

Thank you for reading this letter and do let us know your ideas! These can be sent to Virginia Hearn, our Secretary, by email to virginiah@darton-longman-todd.co.uk or by post to her at Darton, Longman and Todd Ltd, 1 Spencer Court, 140-42 Wandsworth High Street, London SW18 4JJ.

With love and prayer,
Luke Penkett
Chair, Henri Nouwen Society UK

Photo: Greg Pennoyer, Director on the Board of the Henri Nouwen Society based in North America.

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