CIL and Progressive Christianity

CIL offers many learning experiences intended to promote integral learning. Among our programs is a strong Progressive Christian component, intended to reach both those inside the church and those that Bishop Spong refers to as the "church alumni". We do so with an eye towards promoting understanding and spiritual growth for all people we call "seekers".

For those unfamiliar with what the "progressive" movement is all about, we invite you to look at some of the links on our "Links We Like" page or to check some of the resources we point to here. A wonderful source is The Center for Progressive Christianity where we draw the 8 Points from or the Westar Institute, the sponsor of the Jesus Seminar who offers great information on their web site and also publishes a large selection of books by progressive authors through it's publishing arm, Polebridge Press. For those of you looking for a program for your church, we highly recommend the video series "Living the Questions". CIL has donated a copy of this 13 part series to the InterFaith Resource Center so it is available to any member congregation.

In addition, one of CIL'S members has donated a sizable "progressive" library to the InterFaith Resource Center. These books are available for loan to any member of any member church of group of the IRC.

A great article describing the progressive movement and the many expressions it has found throughout the world, written by Hal Taussig in a recent edition of The Fourth R (a Westar Institute Publication), is presented here in both word format and PDF format. Called "Grassroots Progressive Christianity, A Quiet Revolution" it is an excellent introduction to his recent book called A New Spiritual Home: Progressive Christianity at the Grass Roots available now at Polebridge Press.

Grassroots (PDF)

Grassroots (Word)

CIL is continuing the mission of the former Community for Progressive Christianity (CPC). Both organizations were educational outreach arms of the Brandywine Pastoral Institute and decided in January 2006 that both missions could be accomplished under one administrative roof more efficiently and cost effectively. CIL has a strong interest in the goals and mission of CPC and has, in fact, co-sponsored many programs with CPC over the past few years including, Bishop Spong, Marcus Borg, The Jesus Seminar, Amy-Jill Levine, and others. The former leaders of CPC have joined CIL and look forward to continuing to serve the progressive community near Wilmington with exciting speakers and learning opportunities.

Progressive Christianity and Integral Learning

Grassroots (PDF)

Grassroots (Word)