July 2004
After the General Assembly of 2003, a team came forward to study the Spiritual Diversity of the American Grail.  The team created a questionnaire and sent it to all US Grail members.  Here is a composit report of the answers Grail members sent in.

SUMMARIES OF RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR GRAIL SPIRITUALITY DIVERSITY

1a. WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO THE GRAIL?
Women, often the influence of one particular woman—strong, living with intentionality, of diverse cultures and nations, committed  to the empowerment of women and working for social justice – were among the most noted reasons that people were attracted to the Grail.  Being part of a lay person’s movement whose goal was to change the world was an important attraction.  The intellectual environment, experiences of community, involvement in music and the arts, ecological awareness were also noted strongly. 

A search for God and the centrality of spirituality including feminist spirituality and theology have been attractive, and experiences of  radical Catholicism and “imaging a new heaven and a new earth” were mentioned.  Liturgical celebrations at Centers were important as was a simple way of life with few possessions or distractions.

The diversity – religious and cultural – was an attractive force, as were a network of women, living lives of love, justice and compassion in spite of differing world views and culture.  Specific programs mentioned were the Year’s School at Grailville, SAG, Professional Women’s Group, Women of Vision Program, and Gateway in Detroit.  Missionary work and the possibility of living a dedicated life were there.

1b.WHY ARE YOU STILL A MEMBER?
Life-changing values developed in the Grail and life-long enriching friendships and solidarity with like minded women are most often mentioned as reasons for remaining a Grail member. Personal appreciation of love, gratitude and support that one receives from others, working with others, having made and remaining loyal to a nucleus commitment inspires others, as does the Grail Vision Statement and action.  Being able to continue a life of service to other people is expressed in, “There are still things we can do.”

Commitment to ecology, communal experience of meditation, ritual, liturgy and prayer are important reasons for staying in the Grail.  Being part of a lay movement which is not static but is a constant revelation calling for new responses is important; being in the Grail means exposure to the “cutting edge.”  Social justice and consciousness and peace work, the “spiritual quest”, the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and our continuing commitment to the empowerment of women, and the effort to hold together across religious and cultural diversity are important for some.

2.  A YEAR AGO, LYNN MALLEY WROTE IN GUMBO, “…AT THIS CRITICAL MOMENT OF OUR EVOLUTION, WE MUST ASK OURSELVES: IS IT ENOUGH FOR US TO CONTINUE AS A MOVEMENT WHICH SUPPORTS DIVERSE, BUT INDIVIDUAL PATHS OF RELIGIOUS SEARCH?   OR HAS THE TIME COME FOR US TO COMMIT OURSELVES TO THE WORK OF FINDING A COLLECTIVE EXPRESSION OF OUR RELIGIOUS PLURALITY?”

IN YOUR MIND IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY?  IF SO, WHAT IS IT?
Almost everyone said that there is a difference between religion and spirituality.  Religion was seen to be an institutional formal system of dogma and theology, a system one is born into or accepts in faith, a cultural expression conditioned by history and culture, an exterior expression of spirituality.  Some think religion is your chosen path to spirituality.

Spirituality was seen to be broader and deeper, allowing for growth and change, “an inner experience and breathing of God flowing outward”, living by one’s lights, the inner relationship with God and others.  One person said spirituality becomes alive in religious practice.  Others say that spirituality is my relationship with the mysterious unknown, has to do with personal belief more than a group expression of spiritual truth; however they need each other.

3. WE HAVE BECOME A COMMUNITY OF DIVERSE SPIRITUAL PATHS.
3a. WHAT DO YOU FEEL YOU HAVE GAINED IN THIS PROCESS?
By being active in a movement of diverse spiritual paths, most members feel they have gained much – greater understanding, new learnings, sisterhood, tolerance, and respect for others.  One feels that it has challenged and nourished her Christian life.

They also expressed gaining a richness, a deepening and expanding of their own faith – a breaking out of set ways of thought, thus making us better able to relate to the larger world and God’s presence in the world.  One member said that she had gained a forum where she feels comfortable talking about the paths she has traveled and the changes she has made in her understanding, belief, and expression of her spiritual journey.

The unity across all religions, and the use of many universal symbols shows us the oneness of all faiths.  Experiencing the richness of diversity strengthens us to live in the reality of the world vs. surrounding ourselves with like-minded people for the security of being right.

3b.WHAT DO YOU FEEL YOU HAVE LOST IN THIS PROCESS?
The majority of respondents feel that they have lost “nothing” as the Grail has become a diverse community. 

Of those that have felt loss, one remarked that she is uncomfortable with change.  Several members expressed such losses as not knowing what they really share with their Grail sisters, an unspoken understanding that occurs in a family who have experienced a particular heritage, a sense of belonging, a feeling of cohesion, Catholicism as a guide for my own spiritual search, ability to participate in parish life and rituals, an “at-homeness – a free Grail spirit within Catholicism” and “an innocent enthusiasm for Catholic and Christian traditions and truths so compelling in the ‘50’s.”

Closely related losses expressed were a core identity as a movement of Catholic women who held defined beliefs, the practices that nourished and gave energy to faith life, wonderful music, liturgical celebrations and familiar rituals; we lack a rich expression of where we are together.  Other losses expressed were the comfort level of being absolutely right, complacency about my Western, North American way of viewing Christianity, and the security and comfort that comes from homogeneity.  One member expressed missing the dialectic used in past years for decision making, i.e. prayer followed by reflection followed by action.  One member stated that the Grail is not my central community of worship/work.  Another said, “We lost the practices that nourished and gave life to faith.”

3c. WHAT ARE THE MAJOR CHALLENGES WE ARE FACING IN OUR DIVERSITY?
Several respondents stated that listening in depth to each other vs. remaining at a superficial level in our relationships, is a major challenge we are facing in our diversity.  So is the practice of making erroneous assumptions about each other.

Closely related challenges are experience in carrying out communal work, coming from different perspectives.  It is difficult to experience deep spiritual exploration together, since our perceptions of spiritual reality are so varied and the language used to speak of our spiritual realities and religious experiences is also quite varied and sometimes confusing.   Openness to each other’s style of worship is mentioned and the difficulty of crossing boundaries without weakening our own belief.

One member pointed out the importance of “being well schooled in the meaning and practice of other traditions before we can truly pray them.”  Another member observed that the way the media portrays religions as being far right or fundamentalist makes discussion among ourselves and understanding more difficult.  Allowing for the different and new among ourselves and others, the work of being able to face and accept the otherness of the other, and fear of having our own viewpoints challenged are also seen as major challenges to our diversity.

Some members feel we are challenged in our diversity when integrating different faiths into celebrations of major holidays, when considering the pros and cons of having women presiders only and at all times, when sharing liturgy and history, in working towards a communal “whole hearted loving drive towards truth and unity,” when making spirituality more important than religion,” and when finding a way to pray and worship together that is authentic and life giving.  Some feel the need for spiritual nurturing.

Closely related challenges expressed were maintaining ties with the traditional Church, how to maintain groundedness in Christian faith and Eucharistic community, the temptation to come down on one side or the other of spiritual vs. political transformation, and the possibility of becoming shallow.  One said, “ We need a new driving force to help us change the world.”  Finally, some of our members feel the web of connection is difficult due to geographic and financial limitations.

4. WHAT DO YOU SEE AS SOME COMMON ELEMENTS IN OUR SPIRITUALITY IN THE GRAIL NOW?
We have discovered that there is a diversity of perception of what elements we hold in common in the Grail now.  The search for peace and justice is a strong common element, with a desire to express our spirituality through concrete works of peace and justice.  Many feel that our international perspective is important.

That we have reverence for the earth and all creation inspires many of us.  There is an affirmation of the Spirit of God alive on the earth.  Some express a sacramental attentiveness to the presence of the Spirit in all creation.

An awareness of the value of each person, an awareness of the sacred in all people, sensitivity to a need for healing, and compassion for the suffering of others comes up often.

There is a desire for communal rituals.  Our rituals in general have a form, readings, songs, individual movement or participation, commentaries, and reflection time.  There is a use of symbol and metaphor such as earth, water, poetry, and song.  There is an element of celebration.

We have a concern about the care of and for women.  The feminist perspective is included in a desire to find woman’s voice expressing the sacred, an affirmation of the significance of Women’s Spirituality in the world, and use of inclusive language.

Some mention our Christian background, others emphasize the humility it takes to attempt to remove Western/Christian bias as a starting point in discovery.  There is a value in the message of the sermon on the mount.  Some see God as revealed to us as mystery by Christ who is alive now.  Scripture can be unfolded in the liturgical seasons.

Others see us as modern religious seekers, absorbing various viewpoints in our own traditions.  We note a respect for all genuine religious experiences and the importance of continued spiritual search/growth.

There is a desire to acknowledge the sacred and the sense of a Higher Being.  Some see a need for a larger framework for religion such as a Cosmic Dimension.  Days of discussion and discernment about ways of worship are noted.  Practices of inwardness open our hearts to gratitude for life as it is in the present.  There is a belief in the possibility of transformation.  For the most part, we hold our faith statement in common.

The value of community and our call to radical love are mentioned, as is the importance of interdependence (partnership vs. dominance), and willingness to nurture depth in ourselves and in each other.

4a. DO YOU BELIEVE THERE ARE ELEMENTS IN COMMON AMONG GRAIL MEMBERS OF DIFFERENT TRADITIONS?  IF SO, PLEASE NAME SOME.
Grail women, in examining common elements among members of different traditions, mentioned many of the same ideas as the above.  The emphasis here is focused on what is common in our diversity, and how we would like to see these elements celebrated in the communal expression of our spirituality.

Although some members are not in touch with faith traditions other than their own, and other members simply noted that there is much in common among Grail members of different traditions, many people see the search for a way or spiritual path as the most unifying element in our diversity.  Some express a wish for greater centering and deeper conviction.  Some see that the Grail Myth can be integrated into all traditions.  Love of music appeared often.

The concept of acceptance of mystery characterizes many faith traditions as does prayer itself.  An appreciation of silence, song, and chant encompass all.  Some express seeking unity with the Source as common to us all.  Becoming more familiar with the correlation of Jesus’ words with those expressed in all major religious traditions can help in dealing with our diversity.

Concern for justice and peace transcends the different traditions.  Some point out that various groups share “a faith that does justice,” are concerned with increasing tolerance and respect for different living styles, and foster equality of women in all spheres of life.

Expressions of love and reconciliation penetrate all traditions.  Forgiveness and compassion are essential to any spiritual journey.  Reverence for all stages of life can include prayer for the sick, suffering, and dying, and connection among us with those who have gone before.

Some see nature as a vessel of the Holy.  Awareness of the sacredness of all creation inspires the work of saving our planet.  Ritual connected with nature is natural to traditions represented in the Grail.

An acceptance of personal experience and willingness to nurture depth in ourselves and each other, supports an effort toward mutual understanding and transformation of self and society.

4b. IF THERE ARE COMMON ELEMENTS, HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE THEM CELEBRATED IN THE COMMUNAL EXPRESSION OF OUR SPIRITUALITY?
As far as celebrating the elements common to diverse traditions, prayer, silence and meditation are mentioned most.

Ritual celebrations and retreats using universal symbols are important.  Celebrations can involve music, movement and dance, art, poetry, imagery.  Trans-religious rituals could be developed.  Rituals can be based on such themes as “Training for Transformation,” the Grail myth, forgiveness and compassion (possibly using music and psalms that express this), the great mother/father, union of opposites, the splendor of creation, and deep reverence for, celebration of and care of our bodies through which spirituality is expressed. 

Some call for communal expression that includes: unity, internationality, strength as a group, something that has music, good readings, passing a cup or breaking bread, and gratitude for each other, our creator, and for evolution to this day.  One person suggested celebrating Jesus as a guru, healer, and prophet.

Communal forms of celebration are difficult, but can lead to individual search for what is absolutely essential vs. custom, habit, or nostalgia.  Some say whatever there is should be brief and simple.  A few mentioned the GA 2003 rituals as good examples.  One asked to develop a Eucharistic ritual as a banquet.

Among some, there is an uncertainty expressed about how to celebrate elements common to our diversity.  One member pointed out that this will take careful thinking in each situation – a commitment to trying new things – discarding what doesn’t work.  She said that these efforts would be a genuine “new” work for the Grail.

4c. DO YOU SEE OTHER WAYS, BESIDES RITUAL CELEBRATION, THROUGH WHICH THE GRAIL CAN EXPRESS A COMMUNAL SPIRITUALITY?
Working together on different social issues including responding to issues of justice and peace, experiencing international reality, raising awareness that the USA isn’t all there is are mentioned frequently.  We can express ourselves with overt positions known as Grail, on racism, gender, economic positions, and reverence for the earth (communal gardening is an example).

Some note that we express our spirituality in how we treat each other, in sharing deep interest and concern for each other and the people of the world.  We make our beliefs present in dialogue with other women today.

Art, music, moving to music, drama, poetry, writing on common themes and sharing the writing can be used.  Dramatic telling of the Grail myth is suggested, as well as study circles and book discussions.  We could do seminars to share current passions by a variety of Grail people.  Parties and fun, celebrating joyfully with other traditions, and being aware of diversity in all we do are suggested.

Some cannot think of ways to express our diverse spirituality at this time.  Others find it difficult because they see many in the Grail still strongly connected with religion, but walking the labyrinth, observing solstice and New Year’s and other holiday celebrations are suggested by others.  A few people suggested consulting the Unitarian principles which flow from embracing a multi-faith community for many years.

We could identify daily practices that bring people to a sense of the invisible reality inherent in the visible.  Maybe we could agree upon a few of these practices.  We can share the support of members who are sick and dying and work to find expressions of forgiveness and compassion.  We can continue to celebrate Grail values in prayer, meditation, reflection and action.  There is a need expressed for a time to just be vs. doing all day.

5. TELL US, AS BEST YOU CAN, THE SOURCE OF THE LIFE AND GROWTH OF YOUR SPIRIT.
For our Grail members, the following are mentioned as the source of the life and growth of their spirit: the Grail, corporate worship, forms of meditation, music as a healing and peace building experience, sending healing energy, participating in Bible/spiritual book discussion groups, family/friends/colleagues, “my parish,” and centering prayer.

Personal activities like creating workshops, celebrations, rituals and liturgies, peace and justice and other meaningful work, communing with nature, are also spirit enriching sources.  Grail retreats, life’s experiences, Grail influence from the fifties, and attending meaningful celebrations are mentioned.

Other life-giving experiences include growth through suffering and love; attentiveness to my body and its wisdom; grace mediated through other people such as Grail women, nature and the world; discovering universal patterns of personal, spiritual transformation, certain Goddess/women ceremonies from the earth religions, American Indians, Sufi dances, Yoga, the miraculous and the reality of Guardian Angels, Celtic heritage, yoga, William Blake, therapy/spiritual development with the Human Potential Development, and living out connections between Jungian psychology and spiritual life.

Buddhist practice, Women’s Ordination Conference, Call to Action, Catholic Grail Caucus, self-discipline, realizing that God loves me, that God is the source of life and growth of the whole cosmos are some of our sources.

Finally, we are inspired by the courage of those who speak out over and over and do it well.

6.ARE YOU PRESENTLY INVOLVED IN ANY RELIGIOUS OR SPIRITUAL GROUP?
With the exception of a few respondents, Grail women are involved in a wide variety of organized religious and/or meaningful spiritual groups.

These include Catholic parishes, Protestant churches, Sufism, Quakerism, Unitarianism, the Unity Church, Yoga, in-home prayer/meditation groups, and Grail groups.  Many members also belong to spiritual groups such as Call to Action, Pax Christi, the Twelve Step Program, Association of Pittsburgh Priests, Association of Iowa Cistercians, Pilgrim Place, Contemplative Outreach, Wicca, Precious Blood Companions, Drumming, Sacred Circle, Zen Meditation Groups, Human Potential Development, the New York Politics and Spirituality Group, and visiting Trappist monasteries for Eucharist and retreats.  One member considers each group in her day-to-day life as a spiritual group.