[Springboard] The Order

[Jack Gilles]

Dear Colleagues,

When we met in Junaluska last Spring we wrote and signed a declaration  
regarding our intent to be part of an Order.  We did not try and  
define what that meant in terms of form, mission (specific) or next  
steps.  Recently Herman Greene asked me what was the future regarding  
this question on the Order.  It deserves a response.

Clearly we all sense that not only are we in a time of transition but  
a destinal period of transformation.  I haven't felt such energy since  
the days of the civil rights movement in the 60's and how we, as part  
of the spirit movement, had the privilege and obligation to help shape  
and give form to the Spirit moving in our time.  We called it "Bending  
History".  Now, not only do I feel that energy again, but the Bending  
History dimension seems even more real, and certainly more global, and  
of course much more urgent.  I believe it will need a body of people  
who grasp, to a large degree, the nature of that Spirit Movement and  
who know deeply what will be required in the way of interior spiritual  
capacity, intellectual integrity and social catalyses.  How we do that  
I don't know.  How we work together, I don't know.  How we get others  
together on this I don't know.  But I do know we need to figure it out  
and to talk about it.

So here is my proposal.  We set a date in the Spring for a second  
gathering in Junaluska to give some kind of form to these areas.  In  
the meantime we should begin a constructive dialogue on this list  
serve, and the web site to begin to flesh out our collective thinking  
and perhaps float and construct some initial models.  Those who come  
to the Springboard gathering should come prepared to create form and  
mechanisms for the Order.

It would be very appropriate for others to voice their thoughts in  
this regard to see if we can create a consensus on what we do next  
regarding the Order.  Let the conversation begin.

Grace & Peace,

Jack