“Tomorrow you will be ordained as a priest in the Church of God, whose duty it will be to serve in the Church of England as you can, and anywhere else where doors open for you.” These words, spoken by the Bishop of Kensington on the eve of Douglas Dales' ordination as a priest in St Paul’s Cathedral in 1978, have proved to be prophetic. This book is a reflection on how they have come true during nearly fifty years of Anglican and ecumenical ministry.

Communion and Contemplation is also a tribute to his parents and some older friends, who nurtured and guided the shape of his ministry in various ways, often providing keys to doors by their own interests, encouragement, and example. This book is a reflection on the nature of prayer in Christian ministry, the importance of friendships, the discovery of saints by study, travel and prayer, and the meaning of contemplative intercession within the Communion of Saints.