Our Founder

Revd Philip Roderick (1949-2025)

Philip was the Founder and a Patron of The Quiet Garden Movement (1992), of Contemplative Fire (2004) and of Hidden Houses of Prayer (2010). He delighted in the radical presence of God in community, in nature – on hillside and by seashore; he rejoiced in chant and harmony, syncopation and stillness. He loved composing music and writing.

He said, “We live in a world where we are swamped by methods of communication and yet we find ourselves unable to communicate. Silence is the missing and vital ingredient. Even as little as five minutes can be restorative and healing.”

Philip worked in Bangor University as Chaplain and Lecturer in Theology then in the Oxford Diocese as Principal of the Buckinghamshire Christian Training Scheme and as a parish priest in Amersham on the Hill. In 2015 he retired from being Bishop’s Adviser in Spirituality and Chaplain to Whirlow Grange in the Diocese of Sheffield.

Philip was an Anglican priest, percussionist, educator and writer. His writings include “Beloved: Henri Nouwen in Conversation” (book and CD from SCM-Canterbury Press) and articles on Contemplative Fire in three volumes of the “Ancient Faith, Future Mission” series, also published by Canterbury Press. Other resources produced by Philip, including Sacred Posture, a teaching DVD on body prayer, and Sheer Sound, a music CD featuring the Hang, are available.

You can see a video interview with Philip about his spiritual background and the founding of Contemplative Fire here. Also on the Media page are audio interviews with Companions about the lineage of Contemplative Fire.

Philip’s thought, teaching and creativity have shaped the communities he founded, which continue to this day.

Click here to read the eulogies at Philip’s funeral

Click here to listen to the music used and read the Order of Service for Philip’s funeral