[Oe List ...] Update on Wisdom University

[Isobel & Jim Bishop]

Thanks so much for posting this on the listserve, Jann.  I wiil make sure 
our Minister has a copy.
with loving greetings,
Isobel.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: <LAURELCG at aol.com>
To: <Dialogue at wedgeblade.net>; <OE at wedgeblade.net>
Sent: Friday, May 13, 2005 7:23 AM
Subject: [Oe List ...] Update on Wisdom University


This is from Jim Garrison, president of Wisdom University, formerly
University of Creation Spirituality.  forwarded by Jann McGuire, D.Min, UCS, 
2001



Dear Friends of Wisdom University,


First let me thank all of you who have emailed me with your thoughts and

comments on my various missives.  I have tried to respond to each of you,

as I believe that such interaction is critical for us to get to know one

another and to build a sense of community.  It is not necessary for us to

always agree. It is necessary for us always to be in dialogue, and for

this I thank you.


Matt and I are leaving Friday for Germany on a journey that will take us

to Frankfurt on Pentecost Sunday where Matt will call for a new

reformation in the Church; and then to Wittenberg where Matt will release

his 95 theses, reminiscent of where Martin Luther nailed his own 95 theses

back in 1517.  We return to the States next Friday in time for the MLA

graduation on Saturday.


The 95 theses have been translated into German and there is significant

and growing press interest in Europe about what we are doing.  We are

releasing the press statement in the US as well. We are simultaneously

releasing Matt’s new book The New Reformation under the imprint of Wisdom

University Press, which can be ordered this weekend on line at

www.WisdomUniveristy.org. Also on the website by this weekend will be the

press release as well as a rendition of the 95 theses we will be releasing

in Wittenberg, which has been drawn up by one of our students, Bill

Miller, who is now working with us on a range of logo, design and

marketing ideas.


You should also know that we are moving forward gathering signatures for

the letter Matt has drafted to the Pope asking that Ratzinger meet with

him and the others he silenced and expelled.  There are roughly 100

theologians and leaders who, like Matt, were silenced and/or expelled by

Ratzinger while he was Head of the Congregation of the Doctrine of the

Faith. We will be sending the letter to the Pope when we have gathered a

critical mass of co-signers.  The Muhammad Ali Center has offered to

co-sponsor a conference with Wisdom University to bring the group together

to discuss reform in the Church.  We will of course keep everyone

informed.  We are delighted by this because in addition to the fact that

Muhammad Ali is one of the most recognized human being currently alive on

the planet, he has a deep commitment to spirituality and ecumenical

dialogue.  Like Matt, he went through a profound trial by fire for his

beliefs.


Matt and I are both aware that some of you have expressed concern about

these actions, both on Matt’s part for his searing rhetoric and on mine

for committing Wisdom University to supporting these actions.  Please know

that both of us have been grateful for your diverse opinions and

responses.  We believe deeply in mystical activism and are viewing our

trip as an example of what we mean when we talk about the interface

between deep spiritual conviction and social action.


In this case, there is an even deeper strand that we seek to exemplify,

and that is the necessity of prophetic challenge to prevailing authorities

when those authorities cross the line to the dark side. Prophecy always

speaks truth to power in such times and does so without regard to social

conventions or niceties. That is what makes prophecy prophecy.  As you all

know, Matt has paid a heavy price for his prophetic integrity in the past.

 He is now back in the arena challenging the same man who fifteen years

ago persecuted and reviled him, forcing him to leave his Order, then to

leave Holy Names College.  Out of this maelstrom came the university you

now attend and which I am honored to lead.  Our university was born of

prophecy and should always honor its continued expression.


I will be sending another letter out shortly describing other developments

in the university as we finish up the internal audit I started in February

and which are now taking shape.  Just to give you the headlines:


•  We have agreed with Naropa University to phase out our MLA program and

will be beginning a “teach out” for the students in the Fall.


•  Simultaneously, we are developing a whole new Masters Degree program in

Wisdom Studies which will be structured in intensives like the DMIN,

launched in the Fall, and will feature an extraordinary group of wisdom

teachers from around the world. All MLA students are welcome to transfer

to this program.


I will be writing another letter about this shortly.


Warm Regards,


Jim

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