Margaret Guenther to offer 6th Annual Lecture in Christian Spirituality at General Seminary

January 24, 2008 [Episcopal News Service] The Rev. Dr. Margaret Guenther, former director of the Center for Christian Spirituality at General Theological Seminary (GTS) in New York City, will deliver the Center's 6th Annual Lecture in Christian Spirituality, titled, "The Cure of Souls: The Place of Spiritual Direction in Theological Education."

This lecture will be presented on Tuesday, February 19 at 8 p.m. in Seabury Auditorium at the Seminary, 175 Ninth Avenue, New York City. Reservations are required by email at ccs@gts.edu or by phone at 212-243-5150 x269 or toll-free 888-487-5649 x269. The cost is $30.

"In the past few decades, the ancient ministry of spiritual guidance has enjoyed a renaissance. While it is traditionally seen as a prayerful relationship between seeker and guide, the scope of this mindful holy speaking and listening extends to and is contextualized fundamentally by Christian community," said a GTS release announcing the lecture. "What, then, is the role of the seminary in the formation and nurture of our holy listeners? How does theological education benefit the ministry of spiritual direction? How does spiritual direction benefit the educational and formational mission of seminaries? These are questions which the 2008 Annual Lecture will seek to address."

Guenther is associate rector of St. Columba's Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C., and GTS' Professor Emerita of Ascetical Theology. Director of the Center for Christian Spirituality at GTS from 1985-1997, Guenther is a sought after lecturer, a retreat and workshop leader, and author of several books, including "Just Passing Through: Notes of a Sojourner," "My Soul in Silence Waits," "Toward Holy Ground: Spiritual Direction for the Second Half of Life," and "Holy Listening: The Art of Spiritual Direction." She received a Ph.D. in Germanic Languages and Literatures from Harvard University, an M.Div from GTS and an M.A. in Germanic Languages and Literatures from the University of Kansas.

"Our annual lecture seeks to promote the academic study of spirituality by providing a forum for prominent voices in the field to be heard and to engage the public on vital topics in spirituality," the GTS release said.
 
Founded in 1976, GTS' Center for Christian Spirituality endeavors "to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ." Through varied programs, the Center's goal is to provide education for leadership of various spiritual formation ministries, to deepen the spirituality of lay and ordained persons, to enhance the spiritual vitality of parishes and congregations, and to strengthen the ministries of people in daily life.

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