Acknowledgements
My principle gratitude is to Professor Kirsteen Kim at Fuller Seminary, not only for her encouragement in proposing that my research be included in the series Theology and Mission in World Christianity, but also in her original nurturing of my mature post-graduate development as a result of a sabbatical in 2006. I also wish to thank Professor Michael Barnes SJ, for the MA course in interreligious theology that he taught. Subsequently he was my doctoral supervisor. In this connection I thank Professor Paul Joyce at King’s College, London who took on a ‘refugee’ doctoral student part-way through the professional doctorate course who was obliged to jump departmental ships due to organisational cuts. My thanks also to Ingrid Heijckers-Velt at Brill for giving me such a positive initiation into the publishing world.
Those who willingly gave of themselves in sharing their experiences in interreligious marriage with me must receive my appreciation and thanks for participating in the research and acceding, albeit anonymously, to their marriages to being analysed, theorised about and finally submitted for publication!
Cheering me on from the sidelines and allowing for my absence from pastoral duties or of their greater attention, are my lay and ordained ministerial colleagues, parishioners, ecumenical and interfaith friends. Their interest and encouragements have been a blessing and reassured me that this form of ministry whilst not affecting them directly, is a contribution to the overall mission of the Church. Some colleagues have also generously read early drafts of sections of the book and kindly given me feedback. I am furthermore indebted to my bishop for sanctioning study leave, and the diocese and some educational trusts for providing grants to enable me to take advantage of post-graduate study at world class institutions.
Finally, I thank my devoted and practical spouse, Jeanette. She has travelled closely with me not only in her constant belief in me and bearing with my periodic mental absence whilst carrying out research and then writing this book, but in sharing her life with me in deepest and most intimate love and in all the joys and sorrows we’ve experienced over the years.