Some female directors are “wary about taking on men as directees because of a sense of ‘otherness’ and feeling ill-equipped to work with them.” Some male directors regret “the limited number of men involved in spiritual direction.” These are complex, delicate, risky, and stimulating issues.
Spiritual direction is a contemplative space where a compassionate inquiry can be made into such matters. This workshop won’t give all the answers, though Julian will draw on his experience to help look at being different genders together in spiritual direction, with each other and with those who come to talk with us.
“The opposite of patriarchy is not matriarchy but partnership.” (Riane Eisler)
Julian Maddock
Julian Maddock identifies as a man. He trained at St Beuno’s and the Ignatian Spirituality Course in London and has 30 years of experience in spiritual direction, training, and supervision. Julian is invested in the relationship with God, The spiritual Exercises of Ignatius, the body, and presence. In the words of Monica Furlong, these “have lent purpose and order to a not particularly orderly or exemplary life.” He is a father and has also tried his hand at teaching chemistry, computer programming, being a verger, and healthcare chaplaincy.
You can find his writing at www.thisbody.info.
£40 for members and £50 for non members