Our Purpose and Values
We are for peace, shalom, salaam. Our vision for peace is the flourishing of people, communities and the natural world through just systems and healthy relationships. We believe that reconciliation to self, faith, others and creation is necessary for ways of peace to be walked in our time. We are learning from history and pursuing expressions of reconciliation and peace which are rooted in justice.
With a rich heritage in reconciliation and peace work, The Greenhouse at Barnes Close offers a sacred space to which to retreat to, programmes to explore and a community to journey with.
We are an ecumenical charity shaped and nourished by our Christian roots, and we welcome people of all faiths and none. Our four values reflect the heritage of this place and shape the work that we do:
Sharing a Sacred Space
This house and land has a rich heritage as a ‘thin place’ – a space for transformation through prayer, rest, learning and social action. We are caring for and making available this sacred space for all who are seeking justice, reconciliation, peace and the flourishing of their communities.
Reconciliation and Peace
We believe that reconciliation and peace is the ‘good news’ of our times. Building on the legacy of this place, we offer practices of reconciliation and peace-making. We see these both as essential for all human flourishing and also as expressing the heart of Christian faith.
Wisdom from the Margins
We are learning from those at the margins who best understand the systems and powers which further injustice. Neither silencing nor passive, reconciliation and peacemaking must be rooted in justice through deep listening, truth speaking and change making.
Community at Work and Prayer
To live consistently and effectively from our greatest vision and values, we need community. We are growing a dispersed group of people and organisations with whom to share the journey and, in diverse ways, to learn, work, give, play and pray together.