Provincial Day in London - Part 1

Dominican friars from five houses in England and two houses in Scotland gathered in St Dominic's Priory, London, on 17 December 2008 for a Provincial Day. The morning session focused on the theology and preaching of St Paul. 


Mr Jonathan Gorsky, who lectures at Heythrop College, was invited to speak from a Jewish perspective about St Paul. He highlighted the unique Jewish and Hellenistic background of St Paul, and helped to place his writings in their context. Fr Richard Ounsworth OP, who teaches Scripture at Blackfriars Hall, considered the 'new perspective' on St Paul's writings current among certain Scripture scholars, and he pointed out ways in which this was helpful or otherwise for preachers today.

Discussion followed the presentations, and all were agreed that the singular peculiarity of Jesus and his uniqueness is what finally explains St Paul's distinctive writing and theology, which are nevertheless rooted in his particular Jewish background.

The Provincial Day was also a chance for the brothers to spend time together in fraternal conversation and prayer.