The Priest’s Wife, Published by Gillian Paschkes-Bell

Oct 4, 2023

You may have met Gillian through one of the online sessions on Christianity she has offered to OneSpirit students in recent years. Gillian has a particular interest in world views and their effect on those who hold them. In launching a new small publishing company, Bryn Glas Books, she carries this interest forward through her launch title, The Priests Wife by A.G Rivett. Set on a Celtic island in an alternative world similar to ours of a thousand years ago, the novel’s setting explores the clash between the ancestral beliefs and customs of the Islanders and a patriarchal and controlling form of Christianity that seeks to sweep them away.

Rev Gillian sitting with author AG Rivett on a couch in a bookstore.

THE PRIEST’S WIFE; a tale of loss, change and emancipation. Published with a Literary Grant from the Books Council of Wales

‘In The Priest’s Wife I wanted to explore the struggle between nature-affirming and nature-denying world views; which I believe will strike a chord with the present awareness of the precarious course humanity has set in seeking to control nature’ ~ A.G. RIVETT

– The Priest’s Wife by A G. Rivett is on sale in bookshops and online from 20 October.

– Gillian will be at the Stoke Newington Bookshop at 7.30 pm on Thurs 26 Oct to talk about Bryn Glas Books and its publishing imprint, Pantolwen Press. A G. Rivett will be present to read from his novel. All welcome.

– See a full description and read the opening here.

Book Reviews

A vividly imagined journey through an alternative Celtic reality which skillfully combines an intriguing narrative with lyrical description and spiritual depth. ~ Maggie Hamand, author of The Resurrection of the Body and Virgin and Child

Suspenseful and engaging. A thoroughly good read that challenges the assumptions that hold us back.  ~ Isabel Clarke, author of Madness, Mystery and the Survival of God

Morag is magnificent! ~ Shirley Barr

I was transported into a magical alternative reality, captivated by the characters, the landscape, the Celtic spirituality and the thought-provoking situations. ~ Ann Barr

The characters are described with a nuance that moves the reader beyond ‘good and bad’ and allows a common humanity to be seen. ~ Cornelia Featherstone and Sylvia Robertson

A G Rivett gives birth to a book that expresses deep knowing about the significance of our times.  A book to encourage those who teeter on the brink of claiming their place within the whole. ~ Romany Buck

This novel evokes a profound sense of the beauty of place and the community bound to that place. The reader is drawn in and, in a way, joins the characters on their journey. If the setting is a putative thousand years in the past, the underlying themes are contemporary. Modern counter-cultural aspirations run alongside questions about the relationship of religion and society, of evangelisation and enculturation. The Priest’s Wife allows the reader space to meditate on these and other themes, without forcing conclusions. A welcome addition to Christian fantasy literature, in which it easily holds its own. ~  Br Daniel OSB, Pluscarden Benedictines

Another beautiful and sensitively-written narrative by A G Rivett. Imbued with the author’s love of nature and its wild and elemental forces that shape and govern Island life and spirituality, it makes for compelling reading and leaves the reader impatient for more. This book will strike a resonant chord with feminist readers and, in a post-Christian society, those interested in alternative ancient faith traditions. ~ Benedict Thwaite

The Power of Inclusive Storytelling

In a recent interview with MysticMag, our Communications and Marketing Lead, Kailee Smart, shares her insights on creating marketing that is both peaceful and inclusive. She discusses the heart of OneSpirit’s approach to communication — fostering connection, clarity, and a sense of belonging for all. From shaping the tone of our messaging to ensuring accessibility, Kailee highlights how communications can be a bridge for understanding and community.

Introducing the Cherry Tree Pathway

We’re thrilled to mark the commencement of enrolment for our Spiritual Development and Ministry Training. This year, we are proud to introduce the Cherry Tree Pathway - which is a new offering that continues to be an entirely online curriculum, with optional in-person opportunities, designed for your convenience. Enrolment is officially open NOW – and will close on the 30th of September, with the training beginning in October!

Wednesday Wisdom: Bali

In this first student reflection of our "OneSpirit Reflections" series, a member of Aspen Class, Andrew, shares a deeply personal ceremony held at a local beach, marking the transition from year 1 to year 2 of their Interfaith Minister training. The reflection weaves together themes of gratitude, self-discovery, and connection to nature, as the student honours the sacredness of everyday moments and the role ceremony plays in their spiritual journey. This intimate experience offers insight into the evolving relationship between the student and the Earth, celebrating the sacredness of place and the power of ritual in marking life's pivotal moments.

OneSpirit Staff Reflections: Kailee

In this first staff reflection of our "OneSpirit Reflections" series and the first reflection of 2025, Kailee shares her journey to becoming the Communications Lead at OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation. Driven by a lifelong passion for global cultures and inclusive communication, Kailee reflects on her diverse experiences—from teaching English abroad to advocating for marginalized communities in Washington, D.C. She explores how these experiences have shaped her work at OneSpirit, where she is inspired to create content that fosters connection and empowers individuals in alignment with the foundation's interfaith mission.

Human Rights Day

Human Rights Day reminds us of our shared responsibility to uphold dignity, equality, and freedom for all. Inspired by our foundation's origins, we honour this day with a call to action, inviting reflection, kindness, and community efforts to support human rights worldwide.

Celebrating Bodhi Day

Bodhi Day, celebrated on December 8th, honours the Buddha’s journey to enlightenment and invites us to awaken our own compassion, clarity, and kindness. Reflect on the light within, and embrace acts of mindfulness and connection on this special day.

OneSpirit Faculty Reflections: Monica

In this first faculty reflection of our "OneSpirit Reflections" series, Monica Douglas explores the profound power of togetherness and connection. Reflecting on her experience as a tutor for the Class of 2024 OneSpirit Interfaith Ministers, Monica candidly shares the challenges and joys of guiding a diverse group of individuals through their journey towards ordination. With heartfelt insight, she highlights how true togetherness is not about agreement or avoiding difficult conversations, but about embracing differences and standing in loving connection, even through the messiness of life. Monica also speaks to the importance of nature in fostering a sense of unity and self-love, and encourages us to find solace in the interconnectedness of the natural world. Through her reflection, she offers a message of hope, reminding us that by embracing connection, we can create a better world—one relationship at a time.

All Saints Day: A Time of Honour, Reflection, and Interfaith Resonance

All Saints' Day, traditionally a Christian celebration honouring saints known and unknown, carries themes that resonate across many faith traditions. This article reflects on how the values of love, service, and compassion, central to All Saints' Day, are also present in spiritual practices worldwide. By recognising the common virtues that unite us, we honour not only Christian saints but also the countless individuals from all beliefs who inspire us to lead with kindness and purpose.

Introducing the Cherry Tree Pathway

The Cherry Tree Pathway is our new blended learning programme, offering a mix of online and in-person experiences for those seeking a flexible approach to spiritual development.

Redefining Interfaith

We celebrate a new, inclusive vision of interfaith, one that welcomes all spiritual paths, honoring the richness of personal experience beyond traditional religions.

Demystifying Interfaith: Moving Forward

Interfaith dialogue goes beyond religious boundaries, embracing diverse spiritual and secular perspectives. This inclusive approach fosters understanding and respect for all paths.