From the Field

Recent research has led to a narrative that church attendance in the United States is decreasing, and that more and more people consider themselves “spiritual.” But what does this mean—and why does it matter?

We know there is more to the story, but there is little research into the range of perspectives behind these words and what this means for our personal, communal, and societal wellbeing. So, in the spirit of inquiry and embracing the unknown, we are working on our inaugural Study of Spirituality in America.

As part of The Practicing Democracy Project (PDP) our partners at Spirituality & Practice just kicked off  the "We the People Book Club," a yearlong discussion to explore the themes of democracy. Julia (Julie) Davis, a fellow wit

Headlines like yesterday’s “Lynching threat made against Shreveport mayoral candidate” are just one of many reasons why we have joined Communities Overcoming Extremism: The After Charlottesville Project, an effort led by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).

As the ADL notes, there has been a "dramatic rise in extremism, intolerance, and political violence cities and communities…in the year since the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville last August."

We’re a nation born of blood, slavery, and genocide. This original trauma re-enacts itself in many ways… We must become skilled healers. We must be brave ones to take on juggernauts of harm. —Fania Davis, co-founder, Restorative Justice for Oakland Youth

So how do we become these skilled healers and brave ones? A late October conference pointed the way via keynotes from two lawyers and an array of other sessions that offered instruction, research, and compelling personal narrative.

Start by asking a question—go straight for the heart. “How do we talk together in ways that will open up our best capacities and our best gifts?” could be a good one. Add to it more of the quote from civil rights activist Vincent Harding and you’ve got a glimpse into conversations about democracy we’ve been having.

This summer, we came together with Independent Sector and the Council of Michigan Foundations under the shared belief that our country and our democracy require our attention. Communities across America are hurting, and we need to find a way to reconnect.

In our country there is a deep and abiding faithfulness to our religious traditions and institutions, alongside which a growing number of Americans are identifying as “nones,” and “spiritual but not religious,” and many religious institutions are seeing dwindling membership and attendance numbers.

Jacques Verduin is a subject matter expert on mindfulness, restorative justice, emotional intelligence, and transforming violence.

Jacques Verduin is a subject matter expert on mindfulness, restorative justice, emotional intelligence, and transforming violence. A father, community organizer, and teacher, he is the founder of GRIP (Guiding Rage Into Power), which helps prisoners and challenged youth create the personal and systemic change to transform violence and suffering into opportunities for learning and healing. In this first of two posts, Jacques shares insights about the roots of violence in our culture.

Do you feel disconnected from your highest self at work? Do you wish you handled conflict better? Have you felt burnt out by others’ stress or emotions? Do you wish you could bring more warmth and connection into your daily life?

Practicing more compassion—for yourself and for others—may not only help in these situations, but might also make you more effective at your job.

Romantic ideas about forgiveness and reconciliation often obscure our understanding of these important human processes.