Apophatic spirituality – or the ‘via negativa’ – can sound difficult, off-putting, or just negative. But Janet Williams says that it can be a life-giving, freeing adventure, deeply rooted in the Bible and Jesus’s teaching. With allies in the mystical and poetic traditions of the church, it offers a living and deepening encounter with the perfect goodness that is God. She will introduce the tradition of apophatic spirituality, and explore its relevance to 21st century Christian life. 

The Revd Dr Janet Williams is the Vice-Principal of St Hild’s College, Mirfield in Yorkshire, an Anglican centre for ordination training and theological study. Her latest book is Seeking the God Beyond: A Beginner’s Guide to Christian Apophatic Spirituality.