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Theological students visit the tattooist

by
08 May 2015

iStock

From Daphne Clifton

Sir, - I was encouraged to see your article on tattoo artists as the new priesthood (Comment, 10 April). It made me realise that the Principal of the South East Institute of Theological Education (SEITE) hadn't completely lost the plot at our induction weekend last September.

Our teaching about Christian formation led us to consider body image as individuals and a community. With that in mind, students were sent to a gym, a beauty parlour, and a tattoo artist to experience body image and its connectedness with spirituality.

No, I didn't have a Trinitarian tattoo placed strategically about my person, but I learned more about the importance of storytelling, in this case through body art.

Formation is going on outside our churches, and I've had some interesting conversations with people about their tattoo stories in the intervening months. How encouraging to be studying for ordination at a college that keeps me connected with reality.

DAPHNE CLIFTON
54 Shearman Road
London SE3 9HX

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