Dorothy Day (1897-1980) and Howard Thurman (1899-1981) were exact contemporaries and compatriots at a time of social upheaval not dissimilar to today.
Pioneers in the post-war Civil Rights Movement in the USA. Both found their inspiration in spirituality, especially the Christian message. Both were considered to be radicals despite (and often because of) their absolute commitment to non-violence. Their mysticism was orientated toward social change though, giving voice to those suffering from institutionalised injustice.
Dorothy Day, belonging to the bohemian and artistic world of New York, became a Catholic convert and was co-founder of the Catholic Worker communities and newspaper. Howard Thurman was a Baptist minister who drew on Quaker and inter-faith spirituality, co-founding the Church for the Fellowship of all Peoples San Francisco.
This day will explore their spirituality of silence and prayer as the way to an open mind and an open heart, an inclusive model of Church and the root of social transformation.
