Center for Action and Contemplation

Center for Action and Contemplation

The Center for Action and Contemplation was founded as a Christian contemplative organization associated with Franciscan spirituality, aiming to integrate mysticism with social practice. It has attracted attention across networks tied to Richard Rohr, Francis of Assisi, Thomas Merton, Ignatius of Loyola, and contemporary figures linked to Progressive Christianity, Interfaith dialogue, Liberation theology and Mysticism movements. The center became a focal point for retreats, publications, and online courses engaging clergy and laypeople from communities connected to Catholic Church, Episcopal Church, United Methodist Church, Unitarian Universalist Association, and other congregational contexts.

History

The organization was established in 1986 by Richard Rohr following his work with the Franciscan Order, evolving alongside institutions such as Glenmary Home Missioners, St. John's Abbey, Monasticism, Taizé Community, and educational bodies like Gregorian University and Notre Dame (University of Notre Dame) affiliates. Early collaborations linked the center with individuals from Thomas Merton scholarship, Henri Nouwen circles, and publications that intersected with Sister Joan Chittister, James Martin (priest), Walter Brueggemann, and James Finley. The center’s programs expanded in parallel with developments at Vanderbilt Divinity School, Harvard Divinity School, and retreat centers such as Gethsemani Abbey and Ghost Ranch, while engaging ecumenical partners including World Council of Churches and National Council of Churches USA.

Mission and Spirituality

The center’s stated mission draws on contemplative traditions associated with Francis of Assisi, St. Benedict, John of the Cross, Teresa of Ávila, and modern interpreters like Thomas Merton and C.S. Lewis. It frames spirituality in conversation with Liberation theologians such as Gustavo Gutiérrez, Óscar Romero, and scholars tied to Latin American theology programs and seminars at institutions like Union Theological Seminary and King’s College London. The approach integrates practices found in Lectio Divina, Ignatian spirituality, and influences from Zen Buddhism teachers like Thich Nhat Hanh and Shunryu Suzuki, while dialoguing with contemporary authors including Pema Chödrön, Richard Rohr collaborators, and activists related to Catholic Worker Movement and Sojourners networks.

Programs and Publications

The center operates retreat programs, online courses, and publishing initiatives that have produced writings resonant with readers of Image Journal, Commonweal (magazine), America (magazine), and publishers like Orbis Books and HarperOne. Its publications have been discussed alongside works by Richard Rohr, Brian McLaren, Rob Bell, Marcus Borg, and Diana Butler Bass, and appear in dialogues with periodicals such as The Christian Century and National Catholic Reporter. Educational partnerships have connected the center to curricula at Santa Clara University, St. Michael’s College, and seminaries including Duke Divinity School and Princeton Theological Seminary. Retreat sites and conferences have featured presenters from Oxford Centre for Spirituality, Cambridge Inter-Faith Programme, Kolbe Center, and guest teachers referencing texts by Eckhart Tolle, Henri Nouwen, John Dominic Crossan, and N.T. Wright.

Leadership and Notable Figures

Leadership has been closely identified with founder Richard Rohr and a cohort of spiritual teachers and directors tied to Franciscan spirituality networks, including figures who have lectured at Yale Divinity School, Georgetown University, Seattle University, and cultural forums like TEDx. Notable contributors and associates have included Cynthia Bourgeault, James Finley, Brian McLaren, Michael Leunig, Barbara Holmes, and scholars from Columbia University and University of Chicago Divinity School. The center’s staff and visiting faculty have engaged with leaders from Pax Christi International, Amnesty International, Catholic Relief Services, and civic movements such as Black Lives Matter and Occupy Wall Street.

Controversies and Criticism

The organization and its leadership have been subject to scrutiny and controversy, particularly regarding allegations about Richard Rohr that prompted investigation and debate among institutions including Franciscan Order communities, diocesan review boards, and commentators in National Catholic Reporter, Patheos, and The New York Times. Critics have invoked concerns linked to governance and accountability similar to disputes seen around figures like Bishop George Bell, Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, and institutional responses by bodies such as United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and Vatican. Supporters and critics have debated themes common to controversies in religious organizations discussed in analyses by Jessica Contrera, Doris Donnelly, and commentators from Commonweal (magazine), framing discussions within broader conversations about reform in Catholic Church institutions, transparency movements, and ethical standards promoted by entities like Transparency International.

Category:Religious organizations