Our Debut Book

“His book will be of interest to a wide range of people – friends and relatives of course, who have always loved him; past and present colleagues from Mill Hill Missionaries and the Church in Sudan; steam and model railway enthusiasts; peace activists; humanitarian aid workers; historians of modern Sudan; those who are interested in Christian mission and creation-focused spirituality; and anyone who enjoys a lively story of a very eventful life. From childhood in postwar East London to an active retirement beside the Great Rift Valley in Kenya, John’s narrative will surprise, challenge and delight you at every turn.”

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— The Revd Prebendary Marjorie Brown and Prof Avril Loveless

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“John Ashworth is one of those people who captures your attention from the moment you meet him, and holds your attention ever afterwards… His stories were either horrifying, i.e. the ones which left him with trauma from nearly being killed several times, or so funny as he shared how everything can go wrong even with the best intentions… But his story is about serious issues, the issues that he gave his life to – the quest for peace through justice in a horrendous war. His reflections in “Journeying Towards Nonviolence” are instructive for all of us who seek answers to the pressing questions we face everywhere today.”

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— Bishop Emeritus Kevin Dowling, former Co-Chair of Sudan Ecumenical Forum

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“Working closely with the local Church and the Mill Hill Missionaries, John has proved himself a champion of reconciliation between warring factions in Sudan. This record of his journey is an inspiration for all who strive to establish peace with justice.”

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— Father Tony Chantry MHM, former Superior General of the Mill Hill Missionaries

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“John Ashworth’s dedication to the service of the peoples of the Sudans, North and South, Christian or Muslim, over more than forty years, has been extraordinary and provides an example to those who come after him, be they missionaries, aid workers or practitioners of nonviolent resolution of conflict.”

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— Philip Winter OBE, Fellow of the Rift Valley Institute

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“History teaches that in the struggles for liberation there comes a Kairos moment and individuals called to contribute to its realisation. Such was the situation in Sudan when providentially John Ashworth survived a death sentence and devoted the rest of his life to peacebuilding in Sudan. ‘Armed’ with a passion for just peace, courage, hope and a sharp pen he played a critical role that defined the Church’s contribution to the process that led to the independence of South Sudan, and beyond.”

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— Rev Dr Samuel Kobia, Former General Secretary, World Council of Churches (WCC)

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“John Ashworth, whom I have known for nearly 50 years, is an inspiration in his compassionate and persevering commitment to dialogue, justice, human dignity and the pursuit of peace in South Sudan and beyond.”

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— Cardinal Stephen Brislin, Archbishop of Johannesburg

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“John Ashworth’s extensive experience in African countries struggling with violence, his knowledge of and relationships in the African Church, and his deep commitment to Gospel nonviolence have greatly enriched the work of Pax Christi’s Catholic Nonviolence Initiative and our newer Catholic Institute for Nonviolence.”

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— Marie Dennis, Co-Director of the Catholic Institute for Nonviolence

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“John, my colleague and friend for over thirty years, was one of the most respected and influential ‘behind the scenes’ voices that contributed to South Sudan’s peace process. His dedication to us as South Sudanese was a deep reflection of his humanity and humility.”

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— Hon Rev Dr Haruun Ruun Lual, South Sudan Senator and former Executive Secretary of New Sudan Council of Churches

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“John Ashworth and I have had many life giving conversations on his life experiences especially in the countries experiencing war and different forms of violence. The conversations have always ended in this question, ‘John, please share how you have managed to be so nonviolent in such violent contexts.’ This memoir is for me, the initial response to my question; a dream come true. Unlike other memoirs, John’s is an invitation for us to walk with him on this courageous, visionary, hopeful and transformative journey. John came to Africa and not only lived among the people but become a ‘son of Africa’, the first journey to understanding what nonviolent living is all about. His life is anchored on Gospel nonviolence – rejecting violence with the transformation power of love in action. I invite you to open this memoir, read and discover from John what informs and sustains him in this ‘journey towards Nonviolence…’”

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— Sister Teresia Wamũyũ Wachira CJ, Co-President of Pax Christi International