Part of the report given to the OLT on the LotE programme in India.

Recently in the Newsletter you might have read a report from Br Cedric Andrade from his perspective as participant.

I have included today some of my comments to the OLT for your information.

The programme was well accepted by all participants and provided a mixture of: 

• personal and spiritual development,
• challenge and affirmation,
• activity and reflection,
• crowded and personal space,
• looking back and looking forward,
• being guest and being host,
• theory and practice,
• traditional ritual and the “new” and inter-faith experience,
• social and work time,
• dislocation and cultural awareness,
• disturbance and commitment,
• compassion and celebration.

Follow-up and suggestions:

There was a strong basis for continued contact and support in the future. It was thought that the LotE programme could be restaged each year with some further length so that the immersions could be more significant. It was felt that a pre-programme would be beneficial so that all would be attuned to the real nature of the course. The programme should remain voluntary. Others – congregations, male and female and members of the ERN – should also be invited. It would be good to have input from other faiths as well as the immersion visit. It would be advantageous to have input from brothers engaged on the edge – Timor Leste, Philippines, India New Missions etc. Perhaps the topics could be narrowed and look at skills and attitude/values as two separate segments/modules of the programme. There is need for an opening one-one conference as well as a closing one-one conference so that all can feel part of and personalise the programme.

Conclusion:

As a pilot programme the time was successful and worthwhile. All spoke positively of how the time had allowed them to come to hold the movement to the edge as a goal in their lives. More discernment is needed but the embers have been stirred and the fire is ready to be rekindled.

The Team in India of Avi and Mark did an amazing job along with the host communities in DumDum and The Bow. The needs of all participants were met before they asked in many cases. In presentation and involvement Mark and Avi contributed generously from their experience and deep personal giftedness. Their love of the brothers and their spiritual awareness and depth was evident to all. Their openness to the new and their delight in risk and daring were examples also.

The participants wish to acknowledge the support and service of Jim McGuinness. Jim was the organiser behind the immersions and the day acquainting the brothers with Kolkata. Anything the brothers wished to know and to find in Kolkata, Jim was always available to help. Our thanks to Jim.

Terry and Valda brought themselves completely to the programme. Their contribution to the success of this programme is inestimable. In planning and in delivery and in participation their example and their expertise left nothing undone, unsaid or unfelt. Theirs is an holistic approach and theirs is an approach which is soundly based in scriptures of all faiths and in scriptures of humanity. Their compassion and their selves made LotE.