Ensuring Sacred Dignity for All
We were heartbroken by the killing of George Floyd and the ensuing events that unfolded in our country following his death.
The Fetzer Institute’s mission of helping build the spiritual foundation for a loving world compels us to address the challenging structural issues that have given rise to racial injustice in the United States' history.
We recognize the sacred dignity and worth of everyone in our country, and we commit to joining others in building a society and a world in which not just some of us, but all of us, can flourish.
June Practice: Uncertainty Abounds
Whatever states of mind, happy or unhappy, occur, never mind—we should constantly be reminding ourselves, "This is uncertain."
Five COVID-fueled Shifts in Our Religious and Spiritual Landscape
Amidst all the devastation of this remarkable moment, COVID is extremely clarifying. It reveals the pain of loneliness and social isolation. It uncovers how profoundly most people long to focus on what matters most. And it stimulates amazing creativity and resilience.
We see five major COVID-fueled shifts in our religious and spiritual landscape.
Retreat in Place
This note, from Kirstin Vander Giessen-Reitsma, head caretaker at GilChrist (our public retreat center) and her staff, provides both an update about the closure of the center as a result of the pandemic and a reminder of the “unexpected gifts” it offers.
Practicing Democracy through Multifaith Engagement
As communication becomes increasingly global, interactions with people who have different beliefs, customs, and worldviews from our own become more common. We need to learn about those who are different from us and, at a minimum, to learn how to coexist with them. Building multifaith relationships bolsters the stability of our communities and country, and it also sustains one of America’s most cherished values--freedom of religion. Here are ten ways to engage with people of multiple traditions.
Note: Please adapt to social distancing best practices as necessary.
Family and Faith Help Transform Fear into Love
To say that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused us all to feel distressed and uneasy would be a great understatement—indeed, this event, as it unfolds, is causing changes we could never have imagined, some temporary, and some perhaps embedded in our souls and our society for months and years to come. As we physically isolate ourselves and wait for COVID-19 to begin its inevitable decline, our hearts and minds can easily succumb to the fears rising within us as we try to navigate this strange new time.
My Freedom Is in Your Hands
What if this virus had a hidden agenda other than spreading fear about how it might compromise our health? What if, hidden in its drive to be contagious there was another message, urging to be heard?
Parker Palmer on scarcity
What scarcity do you fear? What would help you be less fearful?
This quote is from our Seasons Booklet, a welcome to the Fetzer Institute's retreat center, with essays on the seasons by Parker Palmer.
Parker Palmer on abundance
Where are you witnessing the sharing Parker Palmer references? How can you contribute to another's sense of abundance?
This quote is from our Seasons Booklet, a welcome to the Fetzer Institute's retreat center, with essays on the seasons by Parker Palmer.
Freedom of Spirit: Celebrating John Fetzer
Our founder, John E. Fetzer, spent a lifetime following a deep spiritual yearning as documented in Brian C. Wilson’s book John E. Fetzer and the Quest for the New Age. The book was recently awarded the Historical Society of Michigan's highest honor, the State History Award. Today, we celebrate the birth of Mr.