A six month journey into the spirit of indigenous wisdom begins in Surrey

This autumn, the tranquil grounds of St Augustine’s Abbey, Chilworth, will host a powerful new educational series exploring the sacred traditions of Indigenous peoples around the world.

Titled “Indigenous Spirituality: A Global Exploration,” and led by experienced speaker Sheila Longman, the six monthly sessions will take place in the Abbey’s Assisi Room on selected Saturdays from September 2025 to March 2026. Each session runs from 10am–12 noon, offering deep insights, personal testimony, and curated documentary material. Tickets are £10 per person per session, or £25 for three people, with advance booking essential via https://www.ticketsource.co.uk (search “Indigenous”).

Spanning Continents, Honouring Ancestors

Starting on 6 September 2025, the introductory session sets the scene for a journey across continents and cultures.

The months that follow each focus on a different region: Africa on 25 October, featuring Kenyan and Zambian voices on Ubuntu and esoteric African knowledge; North America on 22 November, highlighting First Nations histories; South America on 24 January, with contributions from Chilworth Abbey's Brother William Duarte and a documentary on the Tairona people; Australia on 28 February, exploring Aboriginal resilience and spirituality; and finally the United Kingdom on 28 March, rediscovering the sacred roots of pre-Christian Britain and early Celtic Christianity.

A Reflective and Educational Encounter with the Sacred

Designed for both seekers and scholars, this course invites participants to encounter the sacred through unfamiliar eyes, and to reflect on how ancient Indigenous insights resonate in our modern world.

Whether you’re interested in culture, religion, environmental wisdom, or human belonging, 'Indigenous Spirituality: A Global Exploration' offers an opportunity to expand your perspective and honour the spiritual legacy of our shared planet. Held within the peaceful setting of the Benedictine Abbey, the series promises to be a deeply enriching and accessible experience for all.