A Methodology to Explore a Trauma-sensitive Ecclesial Practice of Hospitality

Faith communities frequently espouse to welcome all.  But in a world of violence, this hospitable desire is challenging in communities where people have lived/living experiences of sexual and other trauma.  The forthcoming research will address the failure of safe church approaches to attend to the needs of individuals and communities living with the aftermath of violence and trauma.  This contemplative participative theological methodology aims to creatively and constructively interpret and interrupt current ecclesial practices of hospitality.  Prompted by insights from feminist trauma-sensitive theology, members of a faith community will participate in guided conversations unpacking assumptions and beliefs informing the practice of hospitality.  Through contemplative dialogue circles, the inquiry takes seriously a faith community’s communal experience of hospitality and their experience of God’s unfolding invitations in this time and context, offering an opportunity to articulate a theology that fosters trust, truth, justice, relationality, and the flourishing of all.