I ask not to see the distant scene, a step enough for me
(St John Henry Newman - Doctor of the Church).
Spaces of Hope is engaged in gatherings, networks, events and campaigns both on the margins of society and across the public square. This has been the case since our inception in 2016 with over 80 such engagements taking place since then. You can find out more about our interventions here and in the drop down menu, with gatherings detailed chronologically from 2016 to present, each offering a next step, following the inspiration of Cardinal Newman.

If you want to engage with us, you can by contacting Matthew.

2026

October 2026 - Contesting Hopes - From hope to health in an era of poly-crisis

Hope is a crucial driving force in human life and provides resources we need to cope with crises. It is precisely in adversity that a longing for a better situation often grows, such as restoration of the old or transformation into something new. Spaces of Hope will be shared at this conference, with a specific exploration as a means of opperationalising hope in the contexts of mental health and wellbeing. 
September 2026 - Blackburn Cathedral - Celebrating 100 years of Blackburn Cathedral. 

​In September 2026, we will be contributing to a celebration of the establishment of the Diocese of Blackburn, by William Temple. Watch this space for more information as it becomes available. 
June 2026 - Universitat Luzern - Keynote address to the International Conference on Theology and Leadership

What does it mean for leaders and communities navigating crises - with lived experience of the challenge and uncertainty these crises bring about - to create and occupy relational and institutional spaces where hope might be authentically curated?  In this Keynote address I will set out the curating spaces of hope paradigm and methodology for transformational leadership as a means of addressing this question, and invite listeners to consider how they may curate spaces of hope in their own context also.
April 2026 - Ashburnham Place - Activism and a search for hope during poly-crisis

This gathering will engage with a theology collective known as "The Dig" to explore transformational practices and a search for hope in the city. 
February 2026 - A Leadership Masterclass with the Life Long Learning network at Virginia Theological Seminary, USA - ​

This Masterclass will set out and explore the Curating Spaces of Hope approach to leadership and its applications to the contexts of poly-crisis that we are living through in 2025. This 3 hour deep-dive will comprise a preliminary diagnosis of the poly-crisis, an introduction to Curating Spaces of Hope, and an initial application of the approach that attendees can take away.
February 2026 - Radical Hope Podcast with Professor Martyn Percy. 

This podcast is the 3rd episode of series 2 of the Radical Hope factor. In this podcast Matthew will interview Martyn about his  latest monograph, "The Crisis of Colonial Anglicanism" which offers a hard hitting critique of the Church of England as a social spiritual and financial driver and beneficiary of the British empire. 
February 2026 - Northumbria Community Podcast - Sustaining Hope. ​

​Matthew will be in dialogue with Rev Roy Searle, host of the Northumbria Collective and author of Communities of Hope. Matthew and Roy will be exploring hope from an intergenerational perspective, including what it means to acknowledge and respond to paradigm shifts in how we see, think and organise as ministers of reconciliation.

This dialogue is available in two parts from YouTube, both of which can be accessed  on the right of this page. 
January 2026 - Ashburnham Place - The "Sparks" retreat meets Curating Spaces of Hope.

​In January 2026, we have been invited to share something of the 'how and why' behind Curating Spaces of Hope at the annual Sparks retreat held at Ashburnham Place. This gathering of thinkers and doers is a discreet space for seeking a next step and discerning shared purpose in troubled times. 

Spaces of Hope