Book Preview: A Future Full of Hope - Gemma Simmonds CJ

Gemma Simmonds CJ

Is religious life in crisis? In her new book, A Future Full of Hope, based on a series of papers given at a colloquium run by the Religious Life Institute (Heythrop College, University of London), Gemma Simmonds CJ addresses urgent questions surrounding the renewal and survival of religious life from a British, Irish, religious and lay perspective. In addressing such questions one may assess the relativity of religious life in a wider socio-religious context.

This book combines the expertise of leading authors on religious life with lay and religious colleagues. With a forward by former Dominican Master General Timothy Radcliffe, many questions are raised and answers proposed. Collectively, the varying angles broached by such people allow for both group and personal reflection.
As the world evolves and moves forward how is religious life being affected? Simmonds poses a progressive and hopeful attitude on the subject: "As some orders die, others are in the process of being born. It has ever been thus in the church."

So, the question remains. Is the death of religious life imminent or is there a future full of hope?

Br Paul Bednarczyck, Executive Director of the National Religious Vocation Conference, USA said: "This brave book brings into the public forum critical questions and observations about the contemporary religious life that were formerly relegated to private conversation for congregations who long for a future full of hope."

Gemma Simmonds is a sister of the Congregation of Jesus. She is Director of the Religious Life Institute and a lecturer in pastoral theology at Heythrop College, University of London.

A Future Full of Hope by Gemma Simmonds CJ is published by Columba Press priced €12.99/£10.99

* On Wednesday, 4 April at 8.45pm Dr Gemma Simmonds CJ will be giving the Lent Talk on BBC Radio 4