For so many the experience of being in, on or close to the sea connects with something deep inside us, feeding and healing our souls in ways we may not be able to pin down.

Let’s explore together—drawing on the Celtic imagination among other traditions—what these experiences show us about who we are, how we are made and who made us. How can they help us to understand our relationships with God, each other and the world around us? What place does the sea have in a holistic spirituality for the current age? 

About the course leader

The Revd Susie Templeton is a Pioneer Minister in Truro Diocese. She grew up in Portsmouth, lived in various parts of South East Asia, then trained for ministry in Oxford. She now serves the parishes of the Lizard peninsula, which is surrounded by the sea on three sides. From the Royal Navy to scuba diving via a love for Marine Biology, the oceans have been a consistent influence since childhood. Susie explored experiences of spiritual encounter in the sea for her MA dissertation and is looking forward to continuing the conversation. 

About the series 

71% of the Earth’s surface is ocean, and many communities in the UK and across the globe are coastal and depend on the sea for income. For many living on islands, the sea is part of the warp and weft of life. Some work at sea on commercial trade or military vessels. Even for those among us who do not seem to have much connection with the sea, we are becoming increasingly aware that the health of our planet is intrinsically connected to the biodiversity and health of our oceans—currently both under devastating threats. The sea—and water more generally—played a vital role in the lives of the early followers of Jesus, with Jesus calling fishermen to be his disciples and the Sea of Galilee playing a crucial part in the regional economy.

This series aims to offers some theological lenses on the sea, to help participants reflect on the important role that the sea plays in faith, spiritual practices and ministry and mission. It will also offer participants an opportunity to expand their imagination in relation to the sea and the creatures that live within it, as well as to rethink their relationship with oceans that variously represent life, chaos and danger. Speakers are drawn from different parts of the globe—offering crucial international perspectives on the sea—and there will be opportunity for participants to ask questions and share from their own experience.

We hope that this series will start to build a learning community around the sea, church and theology.

The final session is Monday 2 December: The Sea, Ecological Crisis and Mission with Elia Maggang