History
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All of Shalem’s programs seek to nurture a contemplative way in life that is attentive, discerning, prayerful and responsive to God’s leadings and invitations. While this way may seem simple, we know that it does not easily find support in our society and culture. There is much that would erode and undermine a contemplative orientation. All of us who desire to live from a deeper place in the Spirit need support.
For many years graduates of our extension programs have especially asked Shalem for this support. These graduates influence, often profoundly, the spiritual life in their communities, helping others deepen in their spiritual lives.
To support these graduates in their ongoing spiritual deepening and to further the life-giving transformational power of the contemplative way, we established the Shalem Society for Contemplative Leadership.
We believe that the contemplative way offers a special promise of drawing people together with hope and collaborative action across the many fault lines that divide and threaten us today. It invites us to find our deepest common ground in God’s loving Presence. It is what the world needs now.