Boundless Grandeur

Donald Allchin was an ordained priest in the Church of England, an historian, ecumenist, and contemplative theologian. The essays, poems, and memoires in this book represent what his Christian vision has brought forth in the lives of the contributors. You will meet poets, historians, bishops, archbishops, monks, priests, lay persons, and scholars. You will taste the rich ecumenical dialogue between Donald's Anglican heritage, Eastern Orthodox Churches, the Roman Catholic Church, and churches of the Reformed Traditions, including Donald's friendships and correspondence with Thomas Merton and the Romanian Orthodox theologian Dumitru Staniloae. Readers will gain insights into Donald's interpretation of the Anglican Tradition and his emphasis on the value of monastic solitude and community for the lives of modern Christians. You will enter Donald's journey into the lives, poetry, saints, and holy places of the Welsh spiritual tradition. And this is only a taste of his legacy. In Donald's words, ""For the things which belong to the story of Jesus are not yet completed.""

""This book captures in so many ways the personality, spirituality, and breadth of interests of Donald Allchin . . . I know of no one else . . . who could write with such profundity about such a range of subjects such as Anne Griffiths the Welsh hymn writer, Celtic spirituality, Eastern orthodox theology, and the Danish theologian N. F. S. Grundtvig. In doing so, he was able to expound their importance and insights to those who belonged to those traditions, enabling them to appreciate them afresh through his eyes.""
--Most Rev. Barry Morgan, Archbishop of Wales

""Keller has managed to gather between the covers of his excellent book the spirit of Donald's warm humanity and rich spirituality, best seen in his writings and in the contributions of his wide and valued circle of friends. We and the church owe him a great debt of gratitude.""
--Esther De Waal, historian, author, lecturer



David Keller is an Adjunct Professor of Ascetical Theology at The General Theological Seminary in New York and Director of the Contemplative Ministry Project. He is the author of Oasis of Wisdom: The Worlds of the Desert Mothers and Fathers (2005), Come and See: The Transformation of Personal Prayer (2009), and Desert Banquet: A Year Of Wisdom From The Desert Mothers And Fathers (2011).