VISION STATEMENT
To promote a male spirituality based on rites of initiation and other wisdom teachings.
PURPOSE STATEMENT
To implement a vision of male spirituality through an extended network of initiated men serving as elders in order to lead and guide the spiritual development of future generations of men.
To deliver programs of M.A.L.Es (Men As Learners and Elders), particularly Men's Rites of Passage developed by Richard Rohr's Center for Action and Contemplation.
As feasible, to offer additional programs, networking and resources to support the vision of male spirituality.
To learn from other wisdom teachers that support the vision.
GUIDING BELIEFS
- A deepening soul life includes personal and shared spiritual practices, embodiment and solitude in the natural world.
- Men are profoundly spiritual people that express their serious and mature spirituality in personal and corporate ways, including meditation, mentoring, shared endeavor and fellowship.
- Spiritual maturity embraces tragic optimism and playful seriousness.
- Beyond formal teaching, men mentor one another by example and energy.
- Older and younger men have profound gifts for one another; intergenerational community is essential for the wellbeing of the generations.
- Men’s spiritual experience and grounding in any faith tradition can contribute to peace and healing in our world.
- An integrated approach to men’s work includes the best from spiritual traditions and the best from contemporary psychology, anthropology, and theology.
- In a universal message of love and faith that transcends the boundaries of race, nation, culture, gender, economics/class, politics, sexual orientation and religious differences.
- Men must seek honest mutuality in their relationships with women in thought, word and deed.
- Men must recognize and critique their own power with regard to women, minorities and the poor, and use their power for justice in the world.
- There is a need for collaborating with like-minded groups and other faith traditions.
M.A.L.Es PROGRAMS
The Rites of Passage are most appropriate for those men who are spiritually searching, who have probably done some men's work already, and are not in a major reaction against God, grace or transformation. This is not just another Christian/Catholic men's retreat. It incorporates images and ritual from other religious traditions, but it does reflect its Judeo-Christian heritage.
The Journey of Illumination challenges men who have completed the Rites of Passage to show up and pay daily attention to the need to overcome the weight of routine in order to realize a full, intense and well-grounded spiritual journey.
