Contemplative Christianity Grants
Many people think of meditation as an exclusively Eastern religious practice. But Western religion, too, has a long tradition of silent, non-discursive prayer, often called contemplation, which is rooted in a rich mystical literature. Contemporary thinkers are unearthing this tradition. Their fresh encounter with the Gospels and mystics emphasizes that God is a living presence in us – to be known in silence and love and manifested in our acts of compassion.
Grants made in the Contemplative Christianity Program have these objectives:
Introduce or expand the teaching and practice of Christian contemplative practices, such as Christian Meditation or Centering Prayer.
Focus on silent, non discursive meditation rather than another aspect or method of prayer or spiritual formation.
Connect with a Christian audience or have a Christian context.
Identify and support emerging scholars and leaders in Contemplative Christianity and Christian mysticism.
Raise the profile of Contemplative Christianity, with language and programs that speak to all Christian denominations and that reconnect people to Christian contemplative traditions.
Reach underserved populations, such as children, teens, and young adults, BIPOC AND LGBTQ communities, people with low incomes and people facing addictions, illness, trauma or loss.
Encourage dialogue among contemplative traditions in all religions.
“Somewhere in those depths of silence I came upon my first experiences of God as a loving presence that was always near, and prayer as a simple trust in that presence.”
“Religion goes beyond words and actions and attains to the ultimate truth only in silence and love.”