Look to yourself before throwing stones

For the past couple of weeks, Chapel Guardian has stayed largely silent given the lack of activity on the so-called “friendsofchapel” rant (as now admitted by one of the “friends” writers themselves).

In recent days, however, the so-called “friendsofchapel” have ratcheted up their vitriol. Chapel Guardian assumes this must be a buildup to the Chapel of Awareness annual meeting in December, at which time they may attempt a hostile takeover of the organization. Chapel Guardian sees this possible goal based on the so-called "friends" own actions.

So in this posting, Chapel Guardian will look at the so-called recent “friends” posts to analyze their apparent level of seething anger. The so-called “friends” claim they are the ones of peace? That they are the ones who are the truly spiritual? They accuse the current pastor and others of the church of being nonspiritual and political?

Chapel Guardian suggests they look to themselves first before they throw their stones.

Please note that these “rants” as posted by the so-called “friends” are on a public blog, and are therefore subject to criticism and opinion in general (just as Chapel Guardian is). It is Chapel Guardian’s hope that those with interest in this situation at Chapel of Awareness will read both blogs and make truly informed decisions for themselves separately from the rancor.

The "Rant"

On Nov. 15, 2009, a man by the name of Peter Libby posted what he admitted was a “rant” (Chapel Guardian understands he was ordained at Chapel, so keep that in mind).

The letter’s second paragraph reads:

“I was one of the first few people who came under fire from Ann Barnicoat’s (Lorenzini, or whatever) early attempts to rid the Chapel of any and all who opposed her or posed any kind of threat to her desired position of absolute control. From the very first moment she accepted the role as Pastor, it was abundantly clear to me that she knew nothing about what this role entailed. First and foremost, a pastor is the spiritual leader of a church. Ann has never understood this and has, in fact, seemingly gone out of her way to operate in a manner that is polar opposite to spiritual.”

First of all, note Libby’s personal attack of the pastor by belittling her name as “whatever,” immediately designed to demean her. You don’t have to throw civility out the window just because you’re fighting for something. Libby does not understand this spiritual principle, judging from the first line.

Below is the third paragraph of the letter, which contains misinformation that Chapel Guardian can only assume is designed to misguide anyone who reads the “rant,” as he calls it.

“It may seem harsh but it remains, nonetheless, a fact that Ann's rise to such negative power, as well as the return and contributing negativity of Barbara Koenig, all stem from a lack of opposition. Every time Ann was re-elected as Pastor, every time she (with the help of Barbara and the Board she put together) were allowed to perpetrate such acts that have been so negative, so outrageous, so illegal and unethical,......we must recognize that it is we, ourselves, who are to blame. Whether you mechanically cast your vote, or sit back and do nothing, the result is the same.”

Libby’s statement gives the impression that the “negative” Rev. Barbara Koenig has been a source of the perceived problems at Chapel for a good length of time. It is important to note that Rev. Koenig’s new participation in Chapel did not begin until 2006. Even by the so-called “friends’” own admission, the conflicts at Chapel go far beyond 2006.

Rev. Koenig’s involvement is a random element that the so-called “friends” did not anticipate in their behind-the-scenes plan to mount a hostile takeover dating back to the time of Rev. Gene Larr’s passing. The so-called “friends” have used the Chapel leadership’s right to purge membership roles for whatever reason it saw fit to mount their final attempt to take over Chapel of Awareness for their own agenda. That does indeed date back to 2006.

The only thing Chapel Guardian can surmise from bringing Rev. Koenig’s name into the mix is to kill the messenger. Rev. Koenig, as membership chair, signed the original membership cancellation letter. But that doesn’t mean the decision was ultimately hers to make. Killing the messenger is not compassionate, and therefore not spiritual.

In summary, he states:

“Well, thank you for reading my rantings.”

In the copy of his letter to the pastor, posted on “friendsofchapel,” he signs off stating: “Disgustingly yours.” Are those the words of someone supposedly ordained at Chapel of Awareness?

Chapel Guardian thanks Libby for providing his rants, as they provide interesting insight into just how questionable the so-called “friends” movement is. The vast majority of the posts on “friendsofchapel” have used innuendo, anger and questionable tactics to promote an agenda. Read Chapel Guardian’s earlier posts to understand more.

The so-called “friends” have indeed been posting rants designed to harm personally people they don’t agree with. It is interesting that the so-called “friends” are willing to put forth such negative energy toward a hostile takeover of the Chapel of Awareness, when – if Rev. Larr’s teachings really meant anything to them – they could take what they have learned to create their own spiritual organization. Ministers and members of the Chapel have gone on to do this for decades.

That is one true measure of a spiritual path. When in disagreement, part ways and build your own path.