Events of note were the dynamic keynote speakers, the Tavistock Experience , the presentation to the community by our President, a sharing from the General Secretary’s new book, the small group experience, the celebration with our newly certified members of their achievements, a more intimate celebration with Episcopal Health Services, Inc.’s new diplomates from Singapore, display of a CPE pilot program for women in a maximum security prison, and great food and hot coffee (along with stronger drinks in our own refreshment space, the Governor’s Room).

Keynote Speakers:
Rev. Dr. John W. Kinney gave an animated talk on Recovery of Soul. His story of Nelson Mandela’s national inauguration after release from prison found a resounding “yes” in me and most assuredly in others. The story relates the overwhelming joy of his people expressed in their stomping of feet. The elitist commentator rejected this instinctual, “unsophisticated” display. Nelson came forward and responded appropriately; he stomped his feet!. Bishop Tutu was pleaded with for his comments on this ungodly behavior. He came forward, also commented appropriately, and likewise, stomped his feet! This stomping is a real expression, beneath words, of my own view of CPSP’s call into being. One of our newly certified members expressed this well when, upon receiving her certificate, stomped her way back to her seat. In so doing she affirmed another story of the first Keynote Speaker: we are not boxed in as “square watermelons” – our seeds are indeed round.

The second keynote speaker, Dr. Carol Schweitzer, spoke of Pastoral Wisdom: Understanding the Relationship Between Loss and Personal Vulnerability in Conflict Situations. Dr. Schweitzer presented a case study on incest which I found intellectually provocative. How blessed and fortunate are we to have access to this document on CPSP’s Pastoral Report so as to use it as reference tool and guide. I appreciated Dr. Schweitzer’s explanation of the efficacy of the counter-transference experience as a tool for gleaning data, as well as her own creative, innovative theories.

The third keynote speaker, Dr. Esteban Montilla, Director of Clinical Pastoral Education at Driscoll Children's Hospital, Corpus Christi, Texas presented Counseling and Supervising Latinos. Dr. Montilla, in noting the fatigue of his audience (as he subsequently related) decided to lace his address with humorous anecdotal comments, with the achieved effect of an animated, engaged community. However, I am pleased to note his twenty-page written address will be posted on the CPSP Pastoral Report for all to read and study. It is with deep appreciation that I express my thanks to Dr. Montilla for his presence with us “in the moment” and for making available his extensive experience in the field of supervising and counseling Latinos.

Tavistock Experience
“Marginalization” was the theme of this in-depth expression of community coming together as a whole of many parts. Individuals shared their expressions of marginalization which ranged from political views other than those of the majority, military troops in need of our support and affirmation, to personal and cultural experiences of marginalization. My sense was this is a respectful community which honors the one who may reflect a different stance than that of the larger community. Rev. Dr. John Kinney’s story of “Timmy” comes to mind in that the boy could have turned out otherwise than that of graduating first in his class at medical school were it not for a caring teacher. The Plenary Tavistock session brought out that we, as a community, do care for the marginalized among us, and that we are all individually marginalized in one way or another.

Address to the Community by CPSP President, Jim Gebhart:
I trust this important address will be presented on the Pastoral Report. It is edifying to experience the passion in which it was delivered – the passion that is symbolic of CPSP’s origination and continuation. It contains the political voice of the majority and it is our tradition to hear this voice as well as that of the minority. Thankfully, we care enough about our world to speak “heart to heart” to one another and to the greater community of the world in which we live.

Raymond Lawrence’s Book Sharing: Sexual Liberation: The Scandal of Christendom
What can I say? Surprise of surprises, my heroine, St. Teresa of Avila was notably commended in chapter thirteen which was read by the author. Money could not buy the joy this brought me. Teresa is a woman who outwitted the Inquisition of sixteenth century Spain – outcrafted the men who would burn her writings and her body. Although I have not read the book, I do intend to do so and recommend it (from chapter thirteen alone) as a book that may surprise, edify, amend and elucidate the judgments of the historical Church in its views on women and sexuality.

Prison Ministry
SIT.Maria Lopez of Episcopal Health Services, Inc.’s creative CPE pilot program: women inmates ministering to women inmates was displayed at the Plenary. After visiting the women at this prison in February, I was delighted to see her presentation. If you are interested in learning more, receiving materials, or contributing financially/professionally to the program, kindly contact Maria or her supervisor, Richard Liew.

Small Group Experience
And now, last but definitely not the least highlight, is the experience of our small group. Eight colleagues met regularly until the last session of six members. The group shared intimately, courageously, felt safe enough to put our lives on the line, and received feedback which was meaningful, respectful, caring and knowledgeable of the needs presented. We were “there” for each other. I wish I could share the details of this wonderful experience – but confidentiality affirms and secures the safe place we encountered. I personally received feed back that was “right before my eyes” but did not see it. One member shared the beauty of a soul experience that read like poetry, another – his faith journey. We were unafraid to share which may seem “impossible” for persons who do not know one another intimately or even professionally. And yet, once again, where two or three are gathered....eyes are opened....bread is broken, stories shared, zeal rekindled.

I look forward to a continuation of our gathering as a community at the National Clinical Training Seminar in Mahweh, NJ. where I trust the marginalized are welcome, and education is the order of the day. Thank you, CPSP!