The Human Connection
About Dennis Oliver
Raised in a humanist household, Dr Dennis Oliver has promoted human development through his work and with voluntary service in religious and community development organisations.
Dennis has explored and shared principles of spiritual living in a variety of Christian and Buddhist contexts. He is an ordained Senior Monk (Sensei) with the Order of Pragmatic Buddhism, and active in the Centre for Pragmatic Buddhism in Scotland, which he co-founded.
He earned the Dr. Missiology from Fuller Theological Seminary, pastored three Canadian congregations and served as a teacher, consultant and lay educator focusing on congregational dynamics. He has worked with a variety of social entrepreneurs and social service organisations in Canada and the UK. Dennis embraced Buddhism in 1990. He was part-time Buddhist Chaplain at HMP Kilmarnock for ten years.
In 2017 he co-founded the Centre for Pragmatic Buddhism in Scotland, which he still serves. Dennis authored curricula for community-based organisations, including “Coach Up!” and “Rainbow Thinking Skills”. He has written for a variety of periodicals and books, including The I Can Attitude, (Wood Lake Books, 1992) of which John Congram wrote, “In an age of depression and confusion, Dennis Oliver offers hope and a way forward through the stories of ordinary people.” Dennis published Illustrated Poems and Songs which reflects his presence in Glasgow’s amateur performance circles. This included an evening presentation of Leonard Cohen’s songs and a play about the Underground Railway, performed at St. Mungo’s Museum.
He wrote and produced a one man show with Norman McCallum: “The Buddha Pays a Visit”, which was performed twice in Stirling by Mr. McCallum. Dennis is the father of four and grandfather of five. He lives in Glasgow, Scotland, with his wife Elizabeth and their dog Bryn.
Our Mascot: The Capercaillie
The capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) is considered a rare and vulnerable species in many parts of its range, including Scotland. While it was once widespread across Europe, its populations have declined significantly due to habitat loss, changes in land use, and hunting pressures. In the UK, the capercaillie was driven to extinction in the early 20th century but was successfully reintroduced in the 1950s.
As a micro-press mascot, the capercaillie embodies the spirit of resilience and connection to the natural world. Its striking appearance and unique behaviours can serve as a symbol of creativity and individuality, reflecting the many authentic voices and aspirations of those we want to serve and stories that we aim to amplify. The capercaillie's boldness during its courtship rituals can represent our confidence and passion, while its elusive nature reminds us of the importance of patience and persistence in the creative process of spiritual discovery.
By adopting the capercaillie as a mascot, we celebrate a remarkable species and champion the stories that connect us to the natural world, encouraging readers and writers alike to explore the beauties, mysteries, and possibilities of life.