The Friends of Chapel Mission Statement, as posted on their blog, states that they are "a group of ministers, staff, and members who have joined together in an effort to restore order to the Chapel."
The greatest irony of all, in Chapel Guardian's view, comes from the writings of one of the Friends' ministers recently discovered on that minister's own website.
One of the Friends' central claims is that the post-Larr era at Chapel of Awareness has been rife with disorder and disharmony. That the Chapel is an unwelcome place, especially since the return of one of Founder Rev. Gene Larr's earlier ministers, Rev. Basia Koenig.
Chapel Guardian is aware, however, that disharmony and discord date before Rev. Koenig's return, or Pastor Rev. Ann Lorenzini's attempts to keep Chapel on track. This disharmony was directly caused by those who now seek to "restore order" to the Chapel. The proof is here:
One of the major names associated with Friends of Chapel is Rev. Eric Berg. Chapel Guardian does not exist to attack ministers personally, so this is not a commentary on him directly or his affiliation with Friends of Chapel. What he has to say about discord at Chapel is subtle but interesting, and it comes from the excerpts of his own minister's reports as posted on his website: eclarr.zinfinite.com/rev_eric.htm (emphasis in bold added by Chapel Guardian).
From his 2005 report: "Fear is the opposite of trust. Isn’t it individual fear that most effectively blocks our development as individuals? So here too, fear of what others may do (called mistrust) most effectively blocks development of Chapel as a whole."
From his 2004 report: "I'll work with the other ministers more this year, so that the harmony among us improves and we can go beyond just taking care of business here at Chapel and be examples of some of the miracles we’re training to do."
From his 2003 report: "Let's focus on harmony and our practice. Doing Board business is like housecleaning - it’s necessary but not the point. I’m practicing to refine it into being effortless and fun for everyone."
The group of people most involved during these years are the ones who left when Pastor Lorenzini needed their help the most after Rev. Larr passed away. They were the ministers and board members (and their associates) who Rev. Berg addressed in his minister's reports. He is part of this group himself. They are the Friends of Chapel, and it is the group that has caused the most discord of all since 2006, and certainly in 2009.
From Rev. Berg's own writings, it appears the rancor started long ago. It wouldn't have been addressed in minister's reports were it not a pressing issue.
Something to keep in mind as 2009 draws to a close.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Friday, December 25, 2009
Reflections for the Holiday
If there is one thing the last decade has taught us, it is that one cannot take what another says simply at face value, believe it, and act on it. We have seen this in acts of war, and acts of politics.
We have unfortunately seen this in certain circles associated with Chapel of Awareness. And before you nod to yourself thinking "yes, that's them," read completely ...
In 2009, Chapel of Awareness saw the cancellation of memberships based on non-participation, as interpreted through due process by the Board of Trustees.
Some current and former members seized on this action to build a movement based on their own self-interest. This group was formed by people who left Pastor Rev. Ann Lorenzini in the lurch after Founder Rev. Eugene C. Larr passed away. They were gone for three years and did nothing as Rev. Lorenzini struggled to keep the Chapel going.
What this splinter group cannot stand, however, is the fact that she succeeded where they expected her to fail. She brought in a minister -- the only one to Chapel Guardian's knowledge awarded mediumship papers by Rev. Larr -- to help rebuild the Chapel after the exodus of ministers and members after his death. With Rev. Basia Koenig's inspiration, they rallied the membership through fundraisers to replace the Chapel's aging roof. They brought back events first started by Rev. Larr, such as Reading in the Round, and original teachings into the classroom.
The Friends of Chapel will not tell you this. It is not in their self-interest to do so.
Chapel Guardian has already taken Friends of Chapel to task for their questionable tactics and mean-spirited actions, so there is no need to rehash them in this message.
What is tremendously sad is that people with legitimate questions have been brought into the so-called Friends' fold like a dark figure trying to build a following. Chapel Guardian is not saying that this is what they are, only that their behavior shows this.
Good decisions cannot be made when only one side of a story is given ... frankly, forced upon a captive audience (current and former members of Chapel being that audience).
Fundamentalist religions and political dictatorships show all too well what happens when a flock is encouraged -- required -- to listen only to its dogma. Judgment, hostility, and fear are the only glue that holds the bond together. Anything that could reveal cracks in that dogma is immediately attacked through words, actions, and thoughts.
And what have the so-called Friends of Chapel done?
1) Engage in fear: Using a questionably obtained mailing list to stir fear and rancor among the flock to bring people to their side. The Friends' Mission Statement says that they seek "to restore order to the Chapel," yet there never has been a lack of order ... only the rancor caused directly by the Friends' actions, even before the changes in membership, and the perpetuation of rumors.
2) Engage in judgment: Anyone who does not see the Friends' way has been demonized ... people with the kindest hearts who honestly have the Chapel's best interests at heart. Even the founder himself, Rev. Eugene C. Larr, as been demonized by the Friends' blog.
3) Engage in hostility: Friends of Chapel have recruited members and non-members to harangue Chapel parishioners before and after services, handing them leaflets of material and legal actions that should be left to a court to decide. Friends of Chapel disrupted a regular meeting of the Board of Trustees, engaging in a shouting match that forced regular business to be delayed. These are only two among several incidents and tactics concretely reported to Chapel Guardian, or witnessed by the Guardian itself.
Chapel Founder Rev. Eugene C. Larr began his institution in-part with the idea that enlightenment is discovered through good thought, good science, and exploration of the greatest philosophers and teachers of humankind.
In other words: An open mind and an open heart.
The actions of the Friends of Chapel run completely counter to these ideas. Chapel of Awareness does not need a cliche "Mission Statement" to live by Rev. Larr's principles, and it doesn't throw around "loving kindness," "thoughts are things" and "moderation" like an advertising campaign.
So as you grapple with the schism at the Chapel of Awareness, follow what the principles of the Chapel ask ... look at all sides and decide for yourself. Don't believe one side without looking at the other. And certainly don't decide based on how an interest group tells you to.
-- Chapel Guardian
We have unfortunately seen this in certain circles associated with Chapel of Awareness. And before you nod to yourself thinking "yes, that's them," read completely ...
In 2009, Chapel of Awareness saw the cancellation of memberships based on non-participation, as interpreted through due process by the Board of Trustees.
Some current and former members seized on this action to build a movement based on their own self-interest. This group was formed by people who left Pastor Rev. Ann Lorenzini in the lurch after Founder Rev. Eugene C. Larr passed away. They were gone for three years and did nothing as Rev. Lorenzini struggled to keep the Chapel going.
What this splinter group cannot stand, however, is the fact that she succeeded where they expected her to fail. She brought in a minister -- the only one to Chapel Guardian's knowledge awarded mediumship papers by Rev. Larr -- to help rebuild the Chapel after the exodus of ministers and members after his death. With Rev. Basia Koenig's inspiration, they rallied the membership through fundraisers to replace the Chapel's aging roof. They brought back events first started by Rev. Larr, such as Reading in the Round, and original teachings into the classroom.
The Friends of Chapel will not tell you this. It is not in their self-interest to do so.
Chapel Guardian has already taken Friends of Chapel to task for their questionable tactics and mean-spirited actions, so there is no need to rehash them in this message.
What is tremendously sad is that people with legitimate questions have been brought into the so-called Friends' fold like a dark figure trying to build a following. Chapel Guardian is not saying that this is what they are, only that their behavior shows this.
Good decisions cannot be made when only one side of a story is given ... frankly, forced upon a captive audience (current and former members of Chapel being that audience).
Fundamentalist religions and political dictatorships show all too well what happens when a flock is encouraged -- required -- to listen only to its dogma. Judgment, hostility, and fear are the only glue that holds the bond together. Anything that could reveal cracks in that dogma is immediately attacked through words, actions, and thoughts.
And what have the so-called Friends of Chapel done?
1) Engage in fear: Using a questionably obtained mailing list to stir fear and rancor among the flock to bring people to their side. The Friends' Mission Statement says that they seek "to restore order to the Chapel," yet there never has been a lack of order ... only the rancor caused directly by the Friends' actions, even before the changes in membership, and the perpetuation of rumors.
2) Engage in judgment: Anyone who does not see the Friends' way has been demonized ... people with the kindest hearts who honestly have the Chapel's best interests at heart. Even the founder himself, Rev. Eugene C. Larr, as been demonized by the Friends' blog.
3) Engage in hostility: Friends of Chapel have recruited members and non-members to harangue Chapel parishioners before and after services, handing them leaflets of material and legal actions that should be left to a court to decide. Friends of Chapel disrupted a regular meeting of the Board of Trustees, engaging in a shouting match that forced regular business to be delayed. These are only two among several incidents and tactics concretely reported to Chapel Guardian, or witnessed by the Guardian itself.
Chapel Founder Rev. Eugene C. Larr began his institution in-part with the idea that enlightenment is discovered through good thought, good science, and exploration of the greatest philosophers and teachers of humankind.
In other words: An open mind and an open heart.
The actions of the Friends of Chapel run completely counter to these ideas. Chapel of Awareness does not need a cliche "Mission Statement" to live by Rev. Larr's principles, and it doesn't throw around "loving kindness," "thoughts are things" and "moderation" like an advertising campaign.
So as you grapple with the schism at the Chapel of Awareness, follow what the principles of the Chapel ask ... look at all sides and decide for yourself. Don't believe one side without looking at the other. And certainly don't decide based on how an interest group tells you to.
-- Chapel Guardian
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Beware rumors
On Dec. 16, 2009, Rev. Sherry DeLoach wrote on friendsofchapel.blogspot.com:
"During the Chapel board meeting Sunday, Barbara Koenig announced that "Chapel owns the rights to Dr. Larr's lectures, classes, etc?" At the FOC service we held on Sunday November 29th, we made the following announcement and are happy to repeat it for those of you who may have been confused by Barbara’s claim."
Rev. DeLoach was not at the meeting. What Rev. Koenig said was that Chapel has Dr. Larr's lectures, class materials, videos of his presentations, etc.
The Chapel, which Dr. Larr founded, has his material associated with the church, which therefore has the rights to that material.
Rev. DeLoach also said that Rev. Donald Schwartz has announced plans to publish material he has in his own possession, supposedly left to him by Dr. Larr. If he has the rights to that material, then of course he can publish it.
But beware of rumors about the Dec. 13 Annual Meeting stated by people who weren't present to witness it.
"During the Chapel board meeting Sunday, Barbara Koenig announced that "Chapel owns the rights to Dr. Larr's lectures, classes, etc?" At the FOC service we held on Sunday November 29th, we made the following announcement and are happy to repeat it for those of you who may have been confused by Barbara’s claim."
Rev. DeLoach was not at the meeting. What Rev. Koenig said was that Chapel has Dr. Larr's lectures, class materials, videos of his presentations, etc.
The Chapel, which Dr. Larr founded, has his material associated with the church, which therefore has the rights to that material.
Rev. DeLoach also said that Rev. Donald Schwartz has announced plans to publish material he has in his own possession, supposedly left to him by Dr. Larr. If he has the rights to that material, then of course he can publish it.
But beware of rumors about the Dec. 13 Annual Meeting stated by people who weren't present to witness it.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Where's the letter?
In a Dec. 16 posting on friendsofchapel.blogspot.com, Wanda Olson writes:
"Well folks it has happened again...on December 16th, just 3 days after the remaining Chapel members voted Reverend Ken Schmidt in as Pastor of the church, Rev Ann Lorenzini drafted yet another demembering letter. Rev Ken... received it Saturday....he had hoped to help heal what is going on at Chapel and to bring back some peace and harmony, but Rev Ann thinks differently.."
It's interesting to note that the "friends" blog does not publish the contents of the Schmidt letter, while so many other "demembering" letters (including that of Don Schwartz) have been published.
Why is the "friends" blog hiding this letter from its constituents? Did Rev. Ann Lorenzini cite specific reasons that the "friends" don't want revealed?
One thing Chapel Guardian does know is that Schmidt was part of a slate of "friends" candidates, a list of whom was handed out, along with numerous talking points, to voting members of the Chapel of Awareness. This slate, and their affiliated members, came into the meeting with their own agenda, which was to force their way into positions of authority through intimidation and innuendo, from what Chapel Guardian observed.
"Well folks it has happened again...on December 16th, just 3 days after the remaining Chapel members voted Reverend Ken Schmidt in as Pastor of the church, Rev Ann Lorenzini drafted yet another demembering letter. Rev Ken... received it Saturday....he had hoped to help heal what is going on at Chapel and to bring back some peace and harmony, but Rev Ann thinks differently.."
It's interesting to note that the "friends" blog does not publish the contents of the Schmidt letter, while so many other "demembering" letters (including that of Don Schwartz) have been published.
Why is the "friends" blog hiding this letter from its constituents? Did Rev. Ann Lorenzini cite specific reasons that the "friends" don't want revealed?
One thing Chapel Guardian does know is that Schmidt was part of a slate of "friends" candidates, a list of whom was handed out, along with numerous talking points, to voting members of the Chapel of Awareness. This slate, and their affiliated members, came into the meeting with their own agenda, which was to force their way into positions of authority through intimidation and innuendo, from what Chapel Guardian observed.
Where's the money going?
In a Dec. 18, 2009, posting on friendsofchapel.blogspot.com, Wanda Olson writes:
"We still need to keep up our efforts as we have a January 8th court date....if you are inclined to make a contribution (payable to Wanda Olson) please mail it to.. FRIENDS OF CHAPEL, PO BOX 502, CARDIFF BY THE SEA, CA 92007.....thanks for your support...Wanda Olson"
This is the second time Chapel Guardian has observed Olson personally asking for money for the so-called "friends" cause. Anyone who has a fair sense of propriety would question why money for a collective cause would be funneled to one person, solely in their name.
Olson's request is particularly interesting given that the so-called "friends" lawsuit (according to copies handed outside the chapel at the Dec. 13 annual meeting) was filed by Rev. Nell Rose Smith, whose signature is on the documents.
"We still need to keep up our efforts as we have a January 8th court date....if you are inclined to make a contribution (payable to Wanda Olson) please mail it to.. FRIENDS OF CHAPEL, PO BOX 502, CARDIFF BY THE SEA, CA 92007.....thanks for your support...Wanda Olson"
This is the second time Chapel Guardian has observed Olson personally asking for money for the so-called "friends" cause. Anyone who has a fair sense of propriety would question why money for a collective cause would be funneled to one person, solely in their name.
Olson's request is particularly interesting given that the so-called "friends" lawsuit (according to copies handed outside the chapel at the Dec. 13 annual meeting) was filed by Rev. Nell Rose Smith, whose signature is on the documents.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Chapel: Hell on Earth ruled by a bully?
The so-called “Friends of Chapel” have printed a stunning attack on the founder of the spiritual organization they claim to represent … a direct attack on Rev. Eugene C. Larr.
The publication of this attack reveals something many at Chapel have long understood: The issues that the “Friends of Chapel” have are indeed based on their disdain for the teachings of the founder, and that this is indeed a schism disguised as a “membership” conflict.
Chapel described as “hell on earth”
In a lengthy message published on friendsofchapel.blogspot.com, a man by the name of Theo Tanalski calls the Chapel of Awareness “hell on earth” because Rev. Larr never adopted the precepts he believed in.
Tanalski states:
“Tau Sing’s four principles of non-interference, no distractions, moderation, and self-responsibility (ts4p), adequate for Green Jade Priests (contentious diverse group of individuals able to work together for thousands of years--so the story goes), would have worked to make Chapel the heaven on earth for those who conduct themselves and their organizations according to universal laws.
Ts4p was never adopted at Chapel. This has driven its path from a promising organization to hell on earth ...
... From the beginning (36 years ago) Rev. Gene Larr did not conduct Chapel according to Bylaws and ts4p. These sins (failings short of the marks) encouraged many of Board, Pastor, Staff, student, member, visitor to adopt delusions (believing what you know to be false) to rationalize this discrepancy.”
In this portion of the letter, Tanalski, now speaking for the so-called “Friends of Chapel” through his approved contributions to their blog site, outright accuses Rev. Eugene C. Larr of having the sin of delusion, having paved the way for further delusion by those around him.
If the “Friends of Chapel” believe the founder they hold in such high regard to be delusional, there can now only be one conclusion: These “Friends” are planning to take over Chapel of Awareness for themselves and to change the tenets of the organization for their own spiritual vision.
Indeed, the “Friends of Chapel” have already started holding their own services and have already published one Order of Service on their blog. At that service, it was reported that at least one minister ordained by Rev. Larr himself discussed the philosophy of an organization called Landmark, which while valid in its own right does not fall in line with Rev. Larr’s teachings.
Rev. Larr was a “bully”
In Tanalski’s ongoing assault, he accuses the Chapel of Awareness founder of being a bully.
Tanalski states:
“Rev. Larr dominated all channels of written communication to Chapel members, so members heard nothing from Board or other members, and only what Rev. Larr wanted said. In order to make sense out of this, Board members developed delusions to rationalize this situation, and did not communicate. Many members came to be deluded that what communications they got from Chapel was all they needed, and that Chapel practices what they preach, even though they didn't investigate to see what was going on at Chapel.
Rev. Larr did not institutionalize ts4p in Staff, Board, and members, so many (not all) Staff developed and used--what some 70% of people growing up in USA learn--bullying and factionalism to attempt to resolve problems, assert control, gain the Founder's attention. This too was rationalized by delusion and by making the acknowledgement of this bullying taboo in the culture.”
What is misleading, however, is exactly who has been doing the bullying. It is “Friends of Chapel” members who have been in the faces of parishioners at the front of Chapel on Sundays shoving literature in their faces. It is members of these “Friends” who have slandered pastor Rev. Ann Marie Lorenzini by claiming she has committed physical assault, as published on friendsofchapel.blogspot.com.
Now, the “Friends” attempt to claim Chapel of Awareness has come full circle by calling the founder himself, who is deceased, a delusional bully.
Membership conflict aside, it is clear in the opinion of Chapel Guardian that the so-called “Friends of Chapel” have taken advantage of this conflict to bring these people under their wing (their “vibration,” as they call it on the blog), and in turn twist the conflict to their own agenda through creating a schism.
The words and actions of the “Friends” group itself are the only evidence needed.
The publication of this attack reveals something many at Chapel have long understood: The issues that the “Friends of Chapel” have are indeed based on their disdain for the teachings of the founder, and that this is indeed a schism disguised as a “membership” conflict.
Chapel described as “hell on earth”
In a lengthy message published on friendsofchapel.blogspot.com, a man by the name of Theo Tanalski calls the Chapel of Awareness “hell on earth” because Rev. Larr never adopted the precepts he believed in.
Tanalski states:
“Tau Sing’s four principles of non-interference, no distractions, moderation, and self-responsibility (ts4p), adequate for Green Jade Priests (contentious diverse group of individuals able to work together for thousands of years--so the story goes), would have worked to make Chapel the heaven on earth for those who conduct themselves and their organizations according to universal laws.
Ts4p was never adopted at Chapel. This has driven its path from a promising organization to hell on earth ...
... From the beginning (36 years ago) Rev. Gene Larr did not conduct Chapel according to Bylaws and ts4p. These sins (failings short of the marks) encouraged many of Board, Pastor, Staff, student, member, visitor to adopt delusions (believing what you know to be false) to rationalize this discrepancy.”
In this portion of the letter, Tanalski, now speaking for the so-called “Friends of Chapel” through his approved contributions to their blog site, outright accuses Rev. Eugene C. Larr of having the sin of delusion, having paved the way for further delusion by those around him.
If the “Friends of Chapel” believe the founder they hold in such high regard to be delusional, there can now only be one conclusion: These “Friends” are planning to take over Chapel of Awareness for themselves and to change the tenets of the organization for their own spiritual vision.
Indeed, the “Friends of Chapel” have already started holding their own services and have already published one Order of Service on their blog. At that service, it was reported that at least one minister ordained by Rev. Larr himself discussed the philosophy of an organization called Landmark, which while valid in its own right does not fall in line with Rev. Larr’s teachings.
Rev. Larr was a “bully”
In Tanalski’s ongoing assault, he accuses the Chapel of Awareness founder of being a bully.
Tanalski states:
“Rev. Larr dominated all channels of written communication to Chapel members, so members heard nothing from Board or other members, and only what Rev. Larr wanted said. In order to make sense out of this, Board members developed delusions to rationalize this situation, and did not communicate. Many members came to be deluded that what communications they got from Chapel was all they needed, and that Chapel practices what they preach, even though they didn't investigate to see what was going on at Chapel.
Rev. Larr did not institutionalize ts4p in Staff, Board, and members, so many (not all) Staff developed and used--what some 70% of people growing up in USA learn--bullying and factionalism to attempt to resolve problems, assert control, gain the Founder's attention. This too was rationalized by delusion and by making the acknowledgement of this bullying taboo in the culture.”
What is misleading, however, is exactly who has been doing the bullying. It is “Friends of Chapel” members who have been in the faces of parishioners at the front of Chapel on Sundays shoving literature in their faces. It is members of these “Friends” who have slandered pastor Rev. Ann Marie Lorenzini by claiming she has committed physical assault, as published on friendsofchapel.blogspot.com.
Now, the “Friends” attempt to claim Chapel of Awareness has come full circle by calling the founder himself, who is deceased, a delusional bully.
Membership conflict aside, it is clear in the opinion of Chapel Guardian that the so-called “Friends of Chapel” have taken advantage of this conflict to bring these people under their wing (their “vibration,” as they call it on the blog), and in turn twist the conflict to their own agenda through creating a schism.
The words and actions of the “Friends” group itself are the only evidence needed.
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