Place at the Table, A

"While not much concerned about posterity, I offer this collection for the here and now, as a kind of spiritual autobiography of the years since writing 'Touch the Earth Lightly' (Hope, 2009). The themes will tell you that I have not ceased to centre on peace, partnered with justice, as these related to our own faith journey.

"But now that I find my life further away from the church and closer to what Jesus is actually pointing to, new elements come into play. Here is one:

"I have used the words of the hymn 'A Place at the Table' as title for this book, because there are still Christian people not welcome, either at the communion table or at the common table ofsociety. . . .

"Creating justice and joy means walking into the territory of basic human rights, as Jesus did. It means being aware of our own fragility as well as our planet's, and using technology wisely. . . .

"Because I live in a highly secular society in Aotearoa/New Zealand, I am conscious of how the stereotypes of Christianity can be cynically dismissed. I long to say that there is so much to understand and embrace in the wisdom, spiritual treasury and survival skills that Jesus has given the world.

"It is also an interfaith and interactive world I live in, so some of these texts reflect my hope for the 'care and connection making us kin' that seems imperative for our human survival. . . .

"These hymns--be they attempting the pastoral, the prophetic or the impossible--are my present way to express this for myself, and hopefully, for you."

--Shirley Erena Murray<br