NEWS & STORIES

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How can we find our way in the world of the Bible? How can we find words for our own God-encounters? Join Jo Love and others exploring the Bible in Elgin.

Telling the stories

How can we find our way in the world of the Bible? How can we find words for our own God-encounters? Join Jo Love and others exploring the Bible in Elgin.

Cloisters at Iona Abbey

Bookings Open Iona Abbey 2026

We’re excited to share our all new 2026 Iona Abbey programme. Take your pick from our themed weeks, including Rewilding Your Spirit, Columba Week, Time and Space and many more. We look forward to welcoming you here!

Sunlight and shade in Iona Abbey

Lent 2025 with the Iona Community

Join with us this Lent for an evening of author readings, a weekly meditative reflection and take your pick from one of the Wild Goose Lent Publications.

Two people searching in a freezer for a pea

Sounds of Iona March 2025

In March’s Sounds of Iona, Caro Penney, warden at Iona Abbey reflects on importance of laughter for wellbeing and community, in the times we are living through.

We will be gathering in Glasgow in June to hold their AGM, hallow new Members and participate in the annual Iona Lecture.

The Glasgow Weekend

We will be gathering in Glasgow in June to hold their AGM, hallow new Members and participate in the annual Iona Lecture.

Road to the Abbey covered in ice and snow.

Wintering Well

Nick Welsh, Shop Manager of The Iona Community Welcome Centre on the Isle of Iona, shares her March book recommendations. They are inspired by a recent family group meeting and the shift in the seasons.

People walking with a May Peace Prevail on Earth banner

Sounds of Iona February 2025: ‘Till everything cries Glory’

Ruth Harvey reflects on George MacLeod’s 1958 address, urging church unity and nuclear disarmament. She finds hope in faith-driven activism for justice and peace.

A pink, purple and orange scarf

Lost and Found

Nick Welsh, Shop Manager of The Iona Community Welcome Centre on the Isle of Iona, shares her monthly book recommendations. They are inspired by stories of items lost and found.

Solitude on Iona. Flowers and the Abbey in the distance.

Solitude of Iona

Come experience the solitude of Iona in the Spring and get a bedroom in the Abbey to yourself. Offer applies from 15th March – 15th April.

Five thumbnail images of staff moving on from Iona and Camas

Farewell and thank you

Ruth Harvey, leader of the Iona Community, pays tribute to the staff who are moving on from our centres on Iona and Mull. Farewell and thank you!

Kathy Galloway, former leader of the Iona Community, pays tribute to Neil Paynter as he retires as editor of the Coracle.

Tribute to the Coracle editor

Kathy Galloway, former leader of the Iona Community, pays tribute to Neil Paynter as he retires as editor of the Coracle.

Finger Labyrinth Poster with logos from Amnesty international, Art Rights Truth + University of York

Protect the Protest: Fingerprint Labyrinth

The Iona Community London Family Group has won an award to create a Fingerprint Labyrinth, that will travel across Europe, this year. The Labyrinth will provide time to think about the right to protest.

Join us for a Second Sunday Sing: a musical meeting place for songbirds and squawkers in Glasgow. If you love a Big Sing, you’ll love Second Sunday Sing.

Second Sunday Sing

Join us for a Second Sunday Sing: a musical meeting place for songbirds and squawkers in Glasgow. If you love a Big Sing, you’ll love Second Sunday Sing.

Three people in the Welcome Centre and Shop

Books and Blister Packs

Nick Welsh, Shop Manager of The Iona Community Shop on the Isle of Iona, shares her monthly book recommendations and why she’s become known as the lady who collects blister packs!

It’s been a year of justice-seeking, authors speaking, and relationship buildng for the Iona Community. Here are our highlights of 2024.

Iona Community Highlights 2024

It’s been a year of justice-seeking, authors speaking, and relationship buildng for the Iona Community. Here are our highlights of 2024.

A selfie with nine people outside underneath a tree with yellow flowers smiling at camera

Sounds of Iona January 2025: Peace be with you

Ruth Harvey, leader of the Iona Community, shares her highlights of 2024, her heartfelt thanks and a prayer for the end of the year.

Group photo against a hill and sky. People hold a blue Iona Community banner.

An open welcome at Iona Abbey

At the end of a very busy season comprising 36 programme weeks our Abbey staff team look back on the amazing guests.

COP 29 Statement JPIT graphic of world and words

COP 29 – call to action

The CCN Eco share a call to action, a round up of what happened at COP 29 and why they have changed their name.

Candles in Iona Abbey

Sounds of Iona December 2024

In the overwhelm of global events, it can be hard to know what to do. In December’s Sounds of Iona, Ruth Harvey is grateful for the small things.

Dot Stewart, Iona Community volunteer coordinator, reflects on how knitting for the climate has helped her search for justice and peace.

Knitting for the climate

Dot Stewart, Iona Community volunteer coordinator, reflects on how knitting for the climate has helped her search for justice and peace.

To celebrate the launch of John Bell’s new book

John Bell in conversation with Ricky Ross

To celebrate the launch of John Bell’s new book “And then she said”, John will be in conversation with broadcaster and musician Ricky Ross.

Now that they're finally catching breath after a very busy summer, the newly expanded Wild Goose Resource Group team share highlights from Iona, Greenbelt Festival and around the world.

WGRG update Autumn 2024

Now that they’re finally catching breath after a very busy summer, the newly expanded Wild Goose Resource Group team share highlights from Iona, Greenbelt Festival and around the world.

In the aftermath of a US election, the results of which will reverberate around the world, we offer prayers and poems for you and your faith community.

Prayers for new days

In the aftermath of a US election, the results of which will reverberate around the world, we offer prayers and poems for you and your faith community.

Details of all our Advent events are now available! Join with us this Advent as we choose to wait together with hope. Take your pick from a wide variety of events and activities available. Registration for all events will open soon.

A Hopeful Advent

Details of all our Advent events are now available! Join with us this Advent as we choose to wait together with hope. Take your pick from a wide variety of events and activities available. Registration for all events will open soon.

Are you happy you are here? is a poem inspired by the Pilgrimage of Life week, written by guest Dana Smith.

Are you happy you are here?

Are you happy you are here? is a poem inspired by the Pilgrimage of Life week, written by guest Dana Smith.

It’s a joy to welcome guests to Iona Abbey. At its best the experience of community can be transformational. The programme is part of that change.

Iona Abbey Season Highlights 2024

It’s a joy to welcome guests to Iona Abbey. At its best the experience of community can be transformational. The programme is part of that change.

An icon of Sophia, made from an ammo box in Ukraine.

Sounds of Iona November 2024

In November’s Sounds of Iona, Caro Penney, warden of Iona Abbey reflects on how we might act and pray for innocents caught in the midst of war.

During Black History Month, we will celebrate and continue to learn from Black Christian leaders who have inspired the Iona Community.

Learn, act, pray during Black History Month

During Black History Month, we will celebrate and continue to learn from Black Christian leaders who have inspired the Iona Community.

Four peacemakers together at Greenbelt Festival

Sounds of Iona October 2024

In October’s Sounds of Iona, Ruth Harvey, Leader of the Iona Community considers the hope and courage we need to keep showing up.

Columba Week pilgrimage

Pilgrimage on Iona

Every Tuesday, Iona Abbey guests are led by staff and volunteers on a pilgrimage around Iona. It is a weekly highlight for all.

Explore this year's online prayers for the Week of Prayer for World Peace, made in collaboration with Alignment: Interfaith Contemplative Practices.

Week of Prayer for World Peace 2024

Explore this year’s online prayers for the Week of Prayer for World Peace, made in collaboration with Alignment: Interfaith Contemplative Practices.

In August, the Iona Community moves into its new festival home at Greenbelt. Wild Goose will be the Greenbelt Festival venue for daily worship, writers’ events and workshops.

Lost People longlisted for Saltire Awards

In August, the Iona Community moves into its new festival home at Greenbelt. Wild Goose will be the Greenbelt Festival venue for daily worship, writers’ events and workshops.

The season isn't over at Camas but as the nights begin to draw in we look back on a busy summer.

A Camas Summer

The season isn’t over at Camas but as the nights begin to draw in we look back on a busy summer.

Caro Penney, warden of Iona Abbey, shares what gives her most joy in September's Sounds of Iona.

Sounds of Iona September 2024

Caro Penney, warden of Iona Abbey, shares what gives her most joy in September’s Sounds of Iona.

Associate Member Nancy Dodman shares news of the dedication of the Mohawk Bible at Iona Abbey.

Iona Dedication of the Mohawk Bible

Associate Member Nancy Dodman shares news of the dedication of the Mohawk Bible at Iona Abbey.

Take your pick from one of our nature themed weeks down the track at Camas Centre this Autumn.

Come to Camas & come back to your senses

Take your pick from one of our nature themed weeks down the track at Camas Centre this Autumn.

Canada Geese in flight

Sounds of Iona August 2024

In this Sounds of Iona for August 2024 Ruth asks ‘As a community of hope – as a community of faith – what is ours now to do?’

The Iona Community Members will be gathering in Edinburgh in October to attend the Iona Community lecture and hold discussions.

Boundaries, Belief and Belonging

The Iona Community Members will be gathering in Edinburgh in October to attend the Iona Community lecture and hold discussions.

People standing and sitting watching a sunset.

Sounds of Iona July 2024

My first year university course at Aberdeen in ‘Celtic Studies’ was an eye-opener. Learning Scots Gaelic while being immersed in lectures on Celtic history and literature taught me that multi-vowelled words really are tongue twisters, and that much of what we today call ‘celtic’ history can be speculative and subjective…

In August, the Iona Community moves into its new festival home at Greenbelt. Wild Goose will be the Greenbelt Festival venue for daily worship, writers’ events and workshops.

Wild Goose at Greenbelt Festival

In August, the Iona Community moves into its new festival home at Greenbelt. Wild Goose will be the Greenbelt Festival venue for daily worship, writers’ events and workshops.

With so much busy-ness and stretch in our Community life at this time of year it felt like a struggle to take the time to pause. But what a delight to join the Young Adults Group (YAG) on pilgrimage.

Sounds of Iona June 2024

With so much busy-ness and stretch in our Community life at this time of year it felt like a struggle to take the time to pause. But what a delight to join the Young Adults Group (YAG) on pilgrimage.

If you're already dreaming of next year's holidays, take a look at the Iona Abbey programme for 2025.

Iona Abbey Programme 2025

If you’re already dreaming of next year’s holidays, take a look at the Iona Abbey programme for 2025.

Group of people standing on Iona on a grey day.

Wildlife Week 2024

An Associate Member shares their reflections on Wildlife Week at Iona Abbey. And find out how you can join us next year.

Jo Love, resource worker at the Wild Goose Resource Group has written a book, The Jar & The Jug: Retelling Bible Stories.

The Jar and the Jug

Jo Love, resource worker at the Wild Goose Resource Group has written a book, The Jar & The Jug: Retelling Bible Stories.

New members leave the Abbey

Sounds of Iona – May 2024

Leader of the Iona Community, Ruth Harvey, reflects on brokenness, peace and recommitting to Membership year after year.

Picture of sun rising behind a barbed wire fence

Learn, act, pray with Israel/Palestine

As we approach the 76th anniversary of the Nakba, members of the Common Concern Network consider how we can learn, act and pray with and for those living in Israel/Palestine.

Two women at Iona jetty

Discovering contentedness and community in short breaks on Iona

Irene had wanted to visit Iona due to a variety of wee prompts over the past couple of years. In March, she arrived on the island for the first time. We hope it won’t be her last.

Bright pink azalea flowers

World Environment Day 2024

Every day should be Earth Day! On this day dedicated to engaging with and raising awareness about our amazing planet we pause and reconnect.

Iain McLarty and Jane Bentley

New Music in Worship Facilitators

The Iona Community has appointed two world-renowned musicians to support church worship leaders. Scottish conductor and church musician, Iain McLarty, and Jane Bentley, a specialist in musical participation, will start working for the Iona Community, as part of the Wild Goose Resource Group later this year.

Leader of the Iona Community, Ruth Harvey, offers a reflection for Good Friday and hope as Easter approaches.

Sounds of Iona – April 2024

Leader of the Iona Community, Ruth Harvey, offers a reflection for Good Friday and hope as Easter approaches.

Iona Community Members, Associates and young people will gather in Germany in August 2024. Find out how you can join us.

Community Week 2024

Iona Community Members, Associates and young people will gather in Germany in August 2024. Find out how you can join us.

A telecoms tower looks over an icon of the Virgin Mary in Israel/Palestine

Israel/Palestine Common Concern Network update

With a situation so vast, against the backdrop of a complex world stage, it is difficult to know how to respond to the devastation in Israel/Palestine. Here are some suggestions of how to learn more, pray faithfully and act wisely.

We celebrate news of awards and honours recently received by a few Iona Community Members and those in close partnership with the Iona Community.

International Women’s Day

We celebrate news of awards and honours recently received by a few Iona Community Members and those in close partnership with the Iona Community.

Snowdrops and Crocuses on Iona

Sounds of Iona – March 2024

In this March Sounds of Iona, Ruth reflects on the body, during this season of Lent. She mentions two new books from Wild Goose Publications.

February is LGBT+ History month

Learn about how February became LGBT+ History month in the UK and what the theme is for this year. Read the prayer for this month and read the CCN LGBTQ+ reading list!

Road to the Abbey covered in ice and snow.

Sounds of Iona – February 2024

In February’s Sounds of Iona, Ruth reflects on the shape that hope takes in the wider landscape of conflict and climate change.

Iona Abbey in the foreground with the Sound of Iona in the background

Short breaks on Iona

Whether you’re island-hopping in the Inner Hebrides, need to restore your soul, or want a wee taste of Iona Community life, come and join us for a 3-night short break.

A person wearing a rucksack walking on frosty ground

Wintering on Iona

An insight into the experience of being on Iona during the winter months, by Sharon Edwards

Ruth sits with Rev. Bosco Peters in the Cardboard Cathedral in Christchurch, New Zealand

Post Card 7: November Aotearoa/New Zealand

Ruth Harvey’s final postcard from the lands now called Australia reflects on how lessons from the other side of the world might apply to the Iona Community.

Three lit Advent Candles in the Michael Chapel on Iona

Sounds of Iona – January 2024

Ruth reflections on the inspiration of Advent and shares her appreciation for the radical community of light bringers and change makers that she is grateful for.

Group of people with banners at a climate justice protest

Hope and devastation – a response to COP28

A response from the CCN Environment on the outcomes of the global climate change talks in Dubai.

Candles in Iona Abbey

Sounds of Iona – December 2023

This month’s Sounds of Iona piece comes from Caro Penney and the Israel/Palestine Common Concern Network with a prayer from the Wild Goose Resource Group and song by Iain McLarty in response to the conflict in Israel-Gaza.

Ruth and Helen Weavers

Postcard 6: Darkinjung Country and GuriNgai Country (Central Coast), Awabakal Country : (Newcastle) and Meanjin, Yuggera and Turrabul Country (Brisbane)

Ruth Harvey’s final postcard from the lands now called Australia reflects on how lessons from the other side of the world might apply to the Iona Community.

Join the Iona Community, Wild Goose Publications, Wild Goose Resource Group and Iona Abbey as we make our way through the season of Advent with online and onsite events.

Advent with the Iona Community

Join the Iona Community, Wild Goose Publications, Wild Goose Resource Group and Iona Abbey as we make our way through the season of Advent with online and onsite events.

A group of people standing outside with a Wellspring Community Banner.

Postcard 5: Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country (Canberra) and Warrang, Eora Nation (Sydney)

Ruth shares reflections on lessons from birds and the people she met in Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country (Canberra) and Warrang, Eora Nation (Sydney).

People standing by the end of water

Postcard 4: Naarm, Wurundjeri and Boonwurrung Country (Melbourne), GunaiKurnai Country (Gippsland)

Ruth Harvey’s fourth postcard from the listening pilgrimage on Naarm, Wurundjeri and Boonwurrung Country (Melbourne), GunaiKurnai Country (Gippsland)

A telecoms tower looks over an icon of the Virgin Mary in Israel/Palestine

Israel/Palestine Common Concern Network update

With a situation so vast, against the backdrop of a complex world stage, it is difficult to know how to respond to the devastation in Israel/Palestine. Here are some suggestions of how to learn more, pray faithfully and act wisely.

Guests at Iona Abbey enjoy an Agape Meal. A Palestinian flag is on the altar in the background.

Sounds of Iona – November 2023

This month’s Sounds of Iona piece comes from Caro Penney and the Israel/Palestine Common Concern Network with a prayer from the Wild Goose Resource Group and song by Iain McLarty in response to the conflict in Israel-Gaza.

Iona Community Continentals

Iona Community Continentals

Meeting as a global Community What do a passionate talk on being a multi-language community, a story of two men walking to Jerusalem and a communion under the stars have

Contemplating Country at Campfire of the Heart

Postcard 3: On Arrernte Country, in and around Mparntwe/Alice Springs

‘…grant us times of
deep-dreaming-rest,
of reverie and revelation,
where pathways to peace may open wide,
and roads to reconciliation will unfold.’
Read Ruth’s third postcard from a Listening Pilgrimage.

Group sitting at Reconciliation site

Postcard 2: Tarntanya, Kaurna Country (Adelaide and surrounds)

‘Gather us in to listen deeply, share intently, understand so fully that our differences become starting points and our points of intersection become rivers of connection flowing more deeply than all that divides…’ Read Ruth’s reflection in full in the second postcard from a Listening Pilgrimage.

A painting on a wall in Palestine of a dove of peace holding an olive leaf in her mouth.

Prayers for Israel/Palestine

With a situation so vast, against the backdrop of a complex world stage, it is difficult to know how to respond to the devastation in Israel/Palestine. Here are some suggestions of how to learn more, pray faithfully and act wisely.

Full group photo holding Wellspring Community banner

Postcard 1: Wadjemup/Rottnest Island and Mooro Katta/Kings Park

‘If day one was a day of opening our hearts to the pain of the past, day two was a moment of healing amongst friends and strangers. ‘ Ruth Harvey shares reflections from the first stage of the Listening Pilgrimage in the lands now called Australia.

An image commissioned by the Wellspring Community for the Creation Care pilgrimage 2023.

Listening Pilgrimage image

This beautiful image was commissioned by the Wellspring Community for the Listening pilgrimage. Find out more about the artist behind it and the Listening pilgrimage here.

Week of Prayer for World Peace

Interfaith Relations CCN and Peace CCN are collaborating with ‘Alignment: Interfaith Contemplative Practices’ (headed up by Associate Member Margaret Somerville) and the Week of Prayer for World Peace (WPWP) committee to produce a digital offering for this year’s prayer week.

Two yellow cups of coffee on a table by an Australian intersection.

Sounds of Iona – October 2023

In October's Sounds of Iona, Ruth considers the dance of culture and strategy ‘Culture eats strategy for breakfast’, according to management consultant and writer Peter Drucker. We can have all

Camas has received a Commended plaque for our entry in the

Camas Wood recognised in Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards 2023

Camas has received a Commended plaque for our entry in the “new native woods” category in Scotland’s Finest Woodland Awards 2023.

Two women walk the pilgrimage for peace along a single track road

Sounds of Iona – September 2023

In September's Sounds of Iona, Ruth joins the pilgrimage for peace It was a drizzly, dreich day when Nick and I set out from Taynuilt with our dog Luna, to

Thoughts of nuclear warfare are at the forefront of many these days, thanks to the cinema release of Oppenheimer. Former leader and decades-long campaigners against nuclear war, John and Molly Harvey, review Oppenheimer and remember the time they went to the cinema with a survivor of the Hiroshima bomb.

Oppenheimer, the Hiroshima survivor and Transfiguration

Thoughts of nuclear warfare are at the forefront of many these days, thanks to the cinema release of Oppenheimer. Former leader and decades-long campaigners against nuclear war, John and Molly Harvey, review Oppenheimer and remember the time they went to the cinema with a survivor of the Hiroshima bomb.

Sounds of Iona – August 2023

Is it possible to grow as a global community in such a way that it will not ‘cost the earth’? What are we asking of our Members as we expand

Sharing gifts from Denmark

The last time we took things…

Image: Exploring gifts from Denmark in the refectory at Iona Abbey. Staff at Iona Abbey receive lots of intangible gifts from guests. Recently a large group from Denmark stayed. They presented

Iona Abbey from entrance gate

Iona Abbey Celebrates Sustainability Success

Image Credit: Iona Community/ B.Forsyth The historic Iona Abbey has been recognised at the Argyll and Bute Sustainable Design Awards 2023 securing the ‘People’s Choice Award’. The awards aim to

HerWildness in kayaks

Reflections on HerWildness at Camas 2023

Read inspiring reflections from attendees at HerWildness and book your place at Camas for one of our open weeks.

IFiT at Camas 2023

Inverclyde Faith in Throughcare (IFiT) at Camas June 2023

I’m sitting in an empty common room on Friday afternoon. The centre is busy in the midst of the bustle of the Camas Challenge. I can hear group members in

The Iona Community at Glastonbury Festival 2023 Social media post

Sounds of Iona – July 2023

A Glastonbury Festival pilgrimage Ruth shares her daily diary from being part of the Iona Community presence at Glastonbury Festival 2023. The Iona Community has hosted a place of sanctuary,

New Hut at Camas

Huts, scones and kayaks!

The team at Camas, our unique outdoor centre on the Isle of Mull, share about the busy start to the season:</span> We have built two new huts – thanks to

Staff and volunteers saying farewell to Melanie on the Jetty

Farewell, for now.

Image: Saying farewell to Melanie (front centre) at the jetty. Credit: Iona Community/ S. Cairns What follows is a message sent by Melanie to the staff team at Iona Abbey.

New Members sitting in the Camas Round House.

Hallowing

Image: Sitting in the Camas round house as part of the New Members programme 2022. Credit: Iona Community/ K. Schmid The Iona Community hallows, or welcomes and blesses, new Members each

Rev Kathy Kelly precedes over communion at Iona Abbey

Sounds of Iona – June 2023

Each year in May the Iona Community shares a report with the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland through a Board (made up of Members of the Iona Community

Ruth Harvey at the General Assembly.

Iona Community at the General Assembly

The Iona Community Board has presented its report to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. Ruth Harvey, Leader of the Iona Community, and Tom Gordon, Convenor of the

Tom Gordon retires from the Iona Community Board

Tom Gordon retires from the Iona Community Board

Rev Tom Gordon, long-standing Member of the Iona Community, has retired from his role of Convenor of the Iona Community Board. Tom steered the Board through the global pandemic, switching

Protest banners

Sounds of Iona – May 2023

Following my reflections in last month’s Sounds of Iona, I’m keen to share with you here news of developments in the life of our movement and community. Ours is an

A group of people drinking tea

Would you like tea?

Would you like some tea? In the early days of joining the community as a Resident Staff member, I was asked many times over if I would like tea. The

Creation cries out

Creation cries out

This weekend, the Iona Community at large gathered for The Big One in London. Ruth Harvey, Leader of the Community, kept a diary of the weekend’s events. Friday 21st April,

Holy Week – Silent Saturday

Help me to see you, Jesus, in every Good Friday: asleep in the doorway of a shop, signing on at the Job Centre, queuing at the food bank. Help me

Cross by greg-rosenke-unsplash

Holy Week – Good Friday

Lord, as I think of your Cross, give me the courage and grace to be able to visualise those who carry a cross today. Let me be near those who

Bread by mike-kenneally-unsplash

Holy Week – Maundy Thursday

Lord of every pilgrim heart, may I journey with You today remembering those who plotted against You; who betrayed You; who shared the Passover with You; who argued with You

Dirty feet Holy Week

Holy Week – Wednesday

Loving God, Creator, you are far more generous than we know how to be. Like a father greeting his prodigal son who had wasted the family inheritance: you run

Lent Week 6 – Palm Sunday

On the road to Jerusalem, Jesus, you have spoken again and again of your end and new beginning to disciples who do not or will not understand. Now you have

A view of Iona from the ferry

Reflecting on Work Week on Iona

Work Week on Iona is a time for volunteers, staff and guests to re-awaken our centres for the season. It’s also been a time of re-awakening for two of our

Image of Ruth Harvey, wearing a woolly hat, standing in the Cloisters of Iona Abbey

Sounds of Iona – April 2023

One of the joys of the Leader’s role is to listen deeply with our Community members about our life together and apart. In these last months, many of you have

Person sitting in the desert

Lent Week 5 – You let us go

You let us go Mothering God you watch your children grow and you let us go Mothering God you teach us what is true and you let us

Lent Week 4 – Penance

Penance for self-absorption – many hours in the company of three-year-olds for carelessness – a year’s close study of an elder tree for injustice – giving thanks for

A desert scene by Giorgio Parravicini-unsplash

Lent Week 3 – Deep in the desert

Prayer of confession God of the liminal places, you draw us into the quietness of the desert so that we can encounter ourselves… But we confess that all too

Banners, hung from a stone wall, read in Italian:

No Human is illegal

Speak out about the new UK Immigration Bill On 7th March 2023 the Home Secretary introduced a new Immigration Bill to the UK Parliament. UNHCR UK have already issued a

Lent Week 2 - A green heart

Lent Week 2 – A green heart

A green heart Into a dark world a snowdrop comes, a benison of hope and peace, carrying within it a green heart, symbol of God’s renewing love. Come

Lent Week 1 - Be our way, our truth, our life

Lent Week 1 – Be our way, our truth, our life

Be our way, our truth, our life Lord Jesus, desert dweller, help us now, at this time of Lent, to accompany you. If we have grown soft, cushioning

Light shines through a window on to the floor of Iona Abbey.

Collects for Lent

Collects for Lent First Sunday in Lent (Matthew 4:1–11) O Christ, who entered into the lonely desert, and who, facing hunger, danger and temptation, did not turn aside

Sounds of Iona - March 2023

Sounds of Iona – March 2023

Blessed are the Peacemakers (Matthew 5:9) On this 365th day of war in Urkaine, and on this day when we remember countless wars across our world, and all those impacted

In the light of the continuing war in Ukraine, the Wild Goose Resource Group of the Iona Community offers liturgy, song and prayers.

Ukraine Liturgy

In the light of the continuing war in Ukraine, the Wild Goose Resource Group of the Iona Community offers liturgy, song and prayers.

Ash Wednesday dust

Ash Wednesday

A reflection on fasting Fasting? OK, God, first thoughts: sackcloth and ashes. Giving up something … smoking … chocolate … booze? Trying to be extra kind instead of giving

Shrove Tuesday

A prayer for Shrove Tuesday God, may this food we share give us strength to survive in the tough times: may we walk on into Lent ready to face

Welcomed and loved

Welcomed and loved

A Response from the LGBTQ+ Common Concern Network of the Iona Community to the outcomes of the Church of England’s process, Living in Love and Faith. From Monday 6th to

A refuge for pilgrims on the way to, or from, the holy island of Lindisfarne.

Sounds of Iona – January 2023

Winter – a time in my part of the world for hunkering down, staying warm while also warming up to the year ahead. The Iona Community has a busy year

Holocaust Memorial Day Candles in Iona Abbey

Holocaust Memorial Day in Iona Abbey

Join us online or on site at Iona Abbey for a vigil to mark Holocaust Memorial Day 2023 Wednesday 25 January 17.00 – 17.30 This year’s theme is Ordinary People. In

Iona Abbey blue sky

Time and Space for Youth Leaders

Time and Space for Youth Leaders at Iona Abbey 21 to 24 March 2023 Take a few days to step away from the constant demands of the everyday to find time and space

Sounds of Iona - Christmas 2022, January 2023

Sounds of Iona – Christmas 2022, January 2023

Ruth Harvey offers a blessing from the nativity, and a hope from Mary, in this season of turning: At this time of turning… we give thanks for all who in

Mac House Team 2022

Mac House December Update

Hello and Welcome to the Mac House Blog! So, what exactly is the Mac House? (you may have seen our recent article in previous e-coracle editions but in case you

Plenary Listening Circle

Sounds of Iona December 2022

One of the many things I love about the Iona Community is our passion for the dance between work and worship, prayer and politics, contemplation and action. The ‘and’, as

Sounds of Iona November 2022

Sounds of Iona November 2022

One of the great privileges in my role as Leader is the opportunity to meet with Members locally, to come to learn about your passions and your concerns, and your

We see you Clewer Initiative

Modern slavery in the UK

When the Poverty and Inequality CCN met on Anti-Slavery Day (18th October), the obvious topic was Modern Slavery. A group member told us how inmates in some prisons in the

Sounds of Iona October 2022

Iona Community Leader Ruth Harvey reflects on living Rule 4 of the Community and the symbols of our spirituality. Karine Polwart, Julie Fowlis and others have done a remarkable thing.

A group of Interfaith leaders gather in Iona Abbey.

Interfaith pilgrimage on Iona

Interfaith pilgrimage on Iona Representatives from Scotland’s Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Sikh, Hindu, Baha’i and Buddhist communities travelled to Iona for a three-day pilgrimage in September. The pilgrimage marked the 20th

Enough to Live?

Enough to Live?

Enough to Live? A joint letter to the UK Prime Minister On 21 September 2022, Ruth Harvey on behalf of the Iona Community, signed an open letter to the Prime

Attendees at the WCC Assembly hold the conference flag in front of Karlsruhe palace

Iona Community at the World Council of Churches Assembly

Iona Community at the 11th World Council of Churches Assembly Iona Community members, associates, friends and staff from across the world attended the Assembly of the World Council of Churches

Death of Queen Elizabeth II

Death of Queen Elizabeth II

The Iona Community is saddened to hear of the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Inspired by her faith, the Queen valued the power of forgiveness to heal, restore and reconcile

Northern Lights at Greenbelt

Northern Lights at Greenbelt

The Northern Lights venue at Greenbelt Festival is a collaboration of northern and celtic-fringers, concerned with issues of community, social justice, liturgy, spirituality and faithful contemporary engagement. This year the

Sounds of Iona September 2022

Sounds of Iona September 2022

Iona Community Leader Ruth Harvey reflects on Chance Encounters and Choice Conversations I have arrived and departed Iona dozens of times. It’s likely you have too. My most recent leave-taking

A view over the Sound of Iona. The sea is green, mountains in the background are blue.

Sounds of Iona August 2022

Iona Community Leader, Ruth Harvey, reflects on stillness, rest and peace-making. Is stillness the same as silence? John Punshon, in his powerful book ‘Encounter with Silence’ talks of finding the

Molly and John Harvey visit the re-found Iona Community Mural

The Lost and Found Community House Mural

The unveiling, in Govan Old on 14th June, of the “lost” Community House mural, “Christ Feeding the People”, was the culmination of a decades-long search led by John and Molly

Fyffe Christie's

Sounds of Iona July 2022

Iona Community Leader, Ruth Harvey, reflects on mission, contemplation and action. This month, I have been surrounded by Iona Community loved ones – past, present and future. The unveiling of

Visiting Members.

The Sound of Iona June 2022

Gathering with Members Ruth Harvey reflects on her month, first visiting members in Europe, then attending the Church of Scotland General Assembly. A flourishing community relies on opportunities to meet.

An excerpt from a prayer written after the shooting of schoolchildren in Texas. The prayer is called

How shall we pray in such moments?

How shall we pray in such moments? God whose heart is as shattered as ours, please do it once again. out of the chaos which swirls around us, create those

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