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