Compassionate listening around the world and across traditions.

As a multi-faith, global learning community and organization that honors the contemplative spiritual practices of compassionate listening, you’d think it would be difficult to help spiritual directors of every faith and community network and connect with each other.

Not true.

While we’ve always felt the ministry of spiritual direction grows stronger by learning and supporting one another, it’s nice to see a study that backs the notion up.

According to the Pew Forum on Religion and Public life, a new major study finds that a “majority of those who are affiliated with a religion do not believe their religion is the only way to salvation.” In fact, “most agree with the statement that many religions – not just their own – can lead to eternal life.”

How wonderful to see this trend towards tolerance, a trend towards more open and respectful exchanges and acknowledgement of practices.

Three cheers to compassionate listening, respect and tolerance.