The City is My Monastery

Edgy Ideas with Rev Richard Carter

A new episode of the Edgy Ideas Podcast is now up and features Richard Carter, Associate Vicar at St Martin-in-the-Fields in London, and the author of the recently released book Letters from Nazareth: A Contemplative Journey Home.

This podcast focuses on Richard’s work and life as a vicar at St Martin-in-the-field, a bustling church in Trafalgar Square London, known for its work on social justice and in particular its work with the homeless. Richard and Simon met when Simon was experiencing a deep personal trauma and loss. Richard became a very important spiritual support and friend during the early days of grief. 

Previous to his work in London Richard spent 15 years in the Solomon Islands as a chaplain to, then member of, the Melanesian Brotherhood, an Anglican monastic community. During this time Richard too experienced a deep traumatic loss when 7 brothers of his community who were working for peace were taken hostage and killed. Richard and Simon discuss their responses to their grief, highlighting the hope and grace that transcends grief and enables new life to emerge. 

Richard shares the impact of the move from a quiet island in the Pacific Ocean with no electricity, to the heart of busy, noisy London. Over the years he wondered about returning to a life of more silent prayer, yet realized that he had a calling to build community and offer stability through his work in London. 

On a retreat, he found spiritual clarity and the words came to him… ‘The city is my monastery’. Seeking community, it was homeless people, particularly international refugees, who became an essential part of his community. He founded the Nazareth Community to respond to people's spiritual need for community, silence and sanctuary and to offer service to those living in the bustling city.

The Nazareth Community welcomes members from all walks and experiences of life. Richard shares the joys of multi-cultural London, how his life is enriched by diversity, the nature found in London’s parks, and the gifts he receives from a life of service to others.

Richard is the author of The City is My Monastery: A Contemporary Rule of Life and editor of Who is My Neighbour? The Global and Personal Challenge. His latest book Letters from Nazareth: A Contemplative Journey Home are letters of encouragement for our times, and how contemplation and reflection lead to resolute action.

You can click here to listen to the episode. I hope you enjoy it.

Simon