Donald Allchin

Evelyn Underhill (1875–1941) was a poet, novelist and author of numerous works on religion and spiritual practice, she is best known for her book Mysticism published in 1911 and still in print. She became a prominent Anglo-Catholic, proponent of contemplative prayer and member of the Anglican Pacifist Fellowship and prolific author. Exceptionally, for a woman of her time, she gave lectures for the clergy, conducted retreats and established ecumenical links. She became an honorary Doctor of Divinity (University of Aberdeen) and a Fellow of King’s College for Women, London. This book examines Underhill’s approach to mysticism and includes eight hitherto unpublished letters written by her to a novice at the Convent of St Mary the Virgin at Wantage.

The slow progress of the churches in the twentieth century towards the unity for which Christ prayed is measured chiefly by official records of conferences, debates, declarations and agreements. What are less often recorded and rarely noticed at the individual relationships between one Christian and another of different confessions. Such personal encounters, sustained by mutual attraction, profound respect and above all by prayer, make a contribution which cannot be measured to the healing of wounds inflicted by centuries of division on the Body of Christ. This short study explores with care and sensitivity the spiritual friendship between an English Anglican and an Italian Roman Catholic, both women dedicated to the love and service of God, and both now commemorated in the Calendars of their several Churches.