This week, clergy and lay readers from around the diocese took some time to meet together and take part in a ministerial development day titled, ‘The City is My Monastery: Contemplative Prayer and Action', led by the Revd Richard Carter.
The day was structured around three aspects of faith – Silence, Service and Scripture – which form part of the Rule of Life that Richard has established at St Martin-in-the-Fields, London. Richard’s experience of living with the Melanesian Brothers on the Solomon Islands, led him to the conclusion that every parish, town and city – particularly his busy church on the edge of Trafalgar Square – needs stillness. Shortly after arriving in the capital, he set out to create a quiet sanctuary in the heart of the London, where one can experience not just the absence of noise but also the presence of Christ.
From this vision, the Nazareth Community was born - a group dedicated to seeking God through contemplation and prayer, while learning to live generously and compassionately amidst life’s challenges. Their practice follows a simple seven-fold contemporary rule of life centred around Silence, Service, Scripture, Sacrament, Sharing, Sabbath and Staying With.
Throughout the ministerial development day, Richard shared his thoughtful insights into the role of Silence, Service and Scripture in the Nazareth Community, offering space for participants to step away from the busyness of everyday life and spend time in contemplative stillness and prayer. The day proved to be both enriching and spiritually refreshing, set against the beautiful backdrop of Manchester Cathedral.
Through reflections on art and scripture, interwoven with stories from his ministry with refugees and the homeless, Richard reminded us of the importance of turning to Christ, even during the most demanding times.
The session was enhanced by sublime musical renditions from our Choral Scholars. These talented young people are part of the Sing My Soul choral singing project and regularly perform at services throughout the diocese. For more information on this partnership with St Martin-in-the-Fields, click here. We invite everyone to come and see them perform in person; their Summer Schedule will be published soon.
Thank you to all who attended these two special days, it was wonderful to spend this time in fellowship, contemplation and worship.
Thanks also to those who helped organise these events and to Bishop David, Bishop Mark, and Archdeacon Karen Best, who led us in opening and closing worship, and the Revd Canon Rachel Watts, Director of Vocations, and the Revd Phil Cansdale, Director of Mission and Ministry (both pictured below), who facilitated the day. We are also grateful to the Chapter and team at Manchester Cathedral for their hospitality.
The presentation slides, recordings of the reflections and copies of the handouts are available in this online folder here.
Books
If you would like to explore Richard’s work in more depth, he has written three books
The City is My Monastery A contemporary rule of life by Richard Carter, Samuel Wells, Rowan Williams
In Search of the Lost the Modern Martyrs of Melanesia by Richard Carter
Letters from Nazareth a Contemplative Journey Home by Richard Carter
Podcasts and Recordings
If you would like to revisit Richard’s wisdom in your own home, a selection of recorded videos and podcasts here.
Save the Dates for Upcoming CMD Days
Our next CMD days take place on Sunday 5th and Monday 6th October 2025, at Manchester Cathedral. More details will follow soon, for now please save the dates.