Christian Communities Week on Iona October 2011
In October Jan Marshall and Brenda Motley, on behalf of the Othona Community, attended a
gathering of British Christian Communities on the island of Iona and Jan has written this brief report.
Last year seven communities gathered at Othona Bradwell to discuss the possible publication of a
book on Christian Communities in the 21st Century. This year representatives from nine such
communities from all over the British Isles met at the Iona Community to celebrate the completion
of that task. The communities were: Ashram; Corrymeela; the Anaptists/Mennonites; the Servants
of Christ the King; the Lifestyle Movement/Little Gidding; the Well at Willen (part of the Servants of
the Sacred Mission); Pilsdon at Malling; the Iona Community and the Othona Community.
It was for all of us a heart warming experience to learn more about each other’s community, our
vision and purpose and the way each community works to fulfil that purpose. We shared our
successes and problems and it was encouraging to find that we all have many struggles in common.
We were also able to share a week in the life of the Iona Community, including twice daily worship in
the Abbey, and a pilgrimage over that beautiful island. Outstanding was the sense of support for
each other in our sharing of a very challenging way of life.
Copies of Christian Communities in the 21st Century edited by Rev.Dr.John Vincent and published by
Ashram Press, price £10 will be available at Othona Bradwell and Othona West Dorset in the new
year. Other communities have contributed to this publication including the Northumbria
Community; Lee Abbey; Hillfield Priory and L’Arche.
Iona Abbey
Article originally uploaded by: Sheila Maxey
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