Evelyn Underhill: an Anglican “Spiritual Ecumenist”

• Published in: Anglican theological review Vol. 105; no. 1; pp. 5 - 23
• Main Author: Wrigley-Carr, Robyn
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.02.2023; Sage Publications Ltd
• Subjects: Christianity; Ecumenism; Prayer; Spirituality; Underhill, Evelyn; Abbé Paul Couturier; Church unity; Reunion Movement; invisible monastery; Maisie Spens; Spiritual Entente; spiritual ecumenism; Evelyn Underhill
• DOI: 10.1177/00033286221089188
• ISSN: 0003-3286

Evelyn Underhill (1875–1925) was an Anglican “Spiritual Ecumenist” who viewed prayer as central to Church unity. As Secretary of the Spiritual Entente, a prayer movement in the early 1920s, Underhill wrote a leaflet outlining its four aims. First, the Entente was to include members of any nationality, class, or form of Christian faith, yet loyal to their own Church affiliation. Second, the objective was to hasten the coming of God’s Kingdom by promoting spiritual unity between Christians. Third, prayer and work were central to achieving this goal. Fourth, “spiritual understanding” rather than critique was key to unity. Underhill’s four convictions were “lived” throughout her life and repeatedly emphasized in her retreat talks and letters. Underhill’s “Spiritual Ecumenism” is part of her spiritual legacy. She provided spiritual understanding and generous hospitality to Christians from all parts of the Church while also staying true to her Anglican identity.