Elizabeth is currently undertaking PhD research at the University of Chichester. She is researching Thomas Merton’s monastic theology in the context of his interreligious dialogues. Merton had a deep interest in the spiritual traditions of a wide range of world religions. He built up fruitful dialogues with influential religious leaders such as the Dalai Lama and as such is an important figure in the development of interfaith understanding in the world today. As well as the impact Merton had on this undeniably important aspect of community cohesion, he also wrote prolifically on peace and non-violence, social action and contemplation among many others.

Thomas Merton had written on the back of this photo:

“This is the old hillbilly who knows where the still is.”

Photograph of Thomas Merton by John Lyons.
Used with permission of the Merton Legacy Trust and the Thomas Merton Center at Bellarmine University, Kentucky.