Time to conspire...

Mary and I fly out tomorrow...great timing!

Join Father Richard Rohr and friends—Christena Cleveland, James Alison, and Mirabai Starr—as they explore the ecumenical breadth of our conspiracy.

Everything belongs.No one needs to be punished, scapegoated, or excluded.We cannot directly fight or separate ourselves from evil or untruth.Darkness becomes apparent when exposed to the Light.

CONSPIRE 2016
Friday, July 15–Sunday, July 17, 2016
Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Also available worldwide via live webcast

We are born with an intuitive, pre-rational knowledge that if something exists, it must belong. But rather quickly in life we are taught to see ourselves as separate and special and to view the “other” as dangerous or wrong. The unfamiliar other may be anyone or anything outside our carefully defined circumference whose group, religion, race, sexual orientation, or social status is other than our own. By their very otherness they challenge our constructed identity, and we respond by spending much of our energy in opposition and defensiveness. This negative approach does not bring about true or lasting change; it only entrenches us more deeply in our imagined separation.
How do we face injustice and evil? We must begin with a foundational “yes” to who we are and what is. Once we experience the loving foundation of all reality, we are able to embrace our own shadow and the darkness in the world. Once we receive Love’s gaze for ourselves, letting it illumine the log in our own eye, we can then see others through the same compassionate lens. This inclusive gaze has the power to heal and transform all who come before it.
Conspirare. Breathe together. Conspire for the healing and wholing of our world. Join the conspiracy in person—in Albuquerque, New Mexico—or participate online from anywhere in the world via live webcast.

Richard Rohr acknowledges that Christianity has often failed at its primary task—re-teaching our intrinsic belonging and beloved identity. While it takes a lifetime to rediscover our True Selves, we can begin by developing healthy egos and boundaries. From there we must allow great love and suffering to teach us that everything belongs, even—and most especially—our faults and weaknesses. Father Richard teaches contemplative practice as a way to bring darkness into light, holding all within God’s loving presence.

Christena Cleveland bears witness to the prejudice, hostility, and “us vs. them” mentality that develops from strong social influences and unconscious beliefs about our identity. She offers a holistic, head/heart/hands path to unity and reconciliation. Through psychology, theology, and practical applications, Dr. Cleveland invites us to see and love our neighbors—regardless of color or culture—as ourselves.

James Alison brings to focus the recurring pattern of scapegoating which allows us to project our collective darkness elsewhere and to call our violence sacred. Jesus broke this pattern by surrendering, by forgiving, by giving grace freely. Rather than moralizing about who’s in and who’s out, the resurrection calls us to share peace with all. Through Scripture and Catholic teaching, Father Alison reveals God to be unconditionally loving. With this awareness, we can form real communities of reconciliation and generosity.

Mirabai Starr describes herself as “spiritually promiscuous, lying down with any God who will have me.” Her love for God—called by many names and known in many ways—is alluring. Starr shows us how everything belongs, sharing from her own experience as well as the lives and writings of the mystics. In her comforting presence we cannot help but welcome the good and bad, joy and pain, ecstasy and grief . . . and be open to change at the deepest levels.

David Haas, liturgical composer and musician, leads us in song on Friday evening and during the conference Agape Liturgy (for in-person attendees only).