Book description
A Heart Broken Open is the moving and insightful reflection by a
Christian minister on his grassroots engagement with Islam - from
inner-city parish ministry in Leeds to the streets of Karbala at a time
of rising Islamophobia and the ‘War on Terror'.
The book also includes responses from some of the author's partners in dialogue.
Ray Gaston was in parish ministry in inner-city Leeds for 12 years. He
is now Interfaith Studies Tutor and Enabler with the Queen's Foundation
for Ecumenical Theological Education and the Birmingham District of the
Methodist Church. He lives with his family in Sparkhill, Birmingham.
This book is a beautifully written spiritual adventure that will
resonate with all those who are seekers of a spiritual path, and at the
same time it is scholarly, courageous, honest and deeply earnest in
asking the questions most will not ask and in sharing the journey of a
heart seeking peace.
Firdaws Khan, Community Activist
As Christians we need to be in the marginal, unexpected and
controversial places so that our witness can be heard clearly and the
heart put into our interfaith efforts. This is a book of love for God
and our Muslim sisters and brothers; witness is the light shining from
Ray's heart which has been opened so powerfully.
Julian Bond, Executive Director Christian-Muslim Forum
This book is deeply personal and moving ... I recommend it as of real
value at grassroots level where the real action lies. It counters
Islamophobia on behalf of radical Christianity.
Frank Whaling, Emeritus Professor in Religious Studies,
Edinburgh University
Ray's journey alongside Muslims is an exhilarating read. It is a journey
of vulnerability that risks the discovery of God beyond the confines of
the church, is shaped by Christian worship and scriptural reflection,
and is politically engaged. In short, it is a testimony of discipleship
for our times.
Richard Sudworth, author of Distinctly Welcoming - Christian Presence in
a Multi Faith Society
A tour de force of radical spirituality.
Donald Reeves, Director, Soul of Europe
