OneSpirit Minister Rev Karan recently shared a powerful interview with the late Rev. Peter Dewey, offering a window into his lifelong devotion to interfaith understanding and spiritual depth. Published in Beshara Magazine, the conversation traces Peter’s remarkable journey, from his early fascination with the world’s wisdom traditions, to his work across Sufism, Christianity, meditation, interfaith education, and the founding of several influential organisations.
The piece explores his childhood curiosity, his encounters with teachers such as Gurdjieff, Ramana Maharshi, and Pir Vilayat Khan, and his pioneering efforts in interfaith ministry. It also captures Peter’s gentle yet profound reflections on what he called the “deeper spirituality” available through sincere dialogue and inner surrender. It’s a rich and moving insight into who Peter was, the people who shaped him, and the vision of interfaith connection that continues to guide so many in our community.
x
Interfaith Ministry, 1990–present
Jane: After Gordonstoun, you came back to the south of England and have remained here ever since?
Peter: Yes, I came back to Oxford and worked in various parishes up until my retirement a few years ago. On the interfaith side of things, the focus of my work changed in the 1990s and I began to work with Miranda Holden to set up the Interfaith Ministers Seminary, which trains people for ordination in an interfaith ministry. This involves an education in all the major faiths, and I taught the Christian part of the course, as well as helping with the general organisation. This movement began in the USA, and so I had to travel over to New York to the headquarters for ordinations and such like, which was fun.
Jane: Out of your work for the Seminary has come a very rare piece of public communication from you, as you have made a film on the meaning of St John’s gospel with the psychologist Robert Holden. But I have not been able to find very much else – no articles or books, for instance.
Peter: Well, the reason for this is that I am very dyslexic and I don’t write. I have never written a sermon, for instance.
Jane: So how have you managed to be a parish priest for what? Nearly fifty years?
Peter: It just has to come to me in the moment. If it doesn’t come, they don’t get a sermon and I go red in the face! At the beginning, doing it like this was a bit of an adrenalin rush every time, but after so many years it is easier. You can do this if you know your subject and are happy with it. You can’t do it properly when you are learning and full of questions about things; then it is hard to speak with the whole of your being.
Continuing to Grow: Optional Modules for Students & Ministers
