BACKGROUND
The Center for Contemplative Justice is not affiliated with any religious organization or institution, believing that a commitment to transformation through contemplation, leading to acts of justice, binds together many of the world’s religious traditions. We are an independent non-profit corporation with a broad charter to operate for charitable and educational purposes. What does this mean in practical terms?
Several years ago, Becca Stevens and Dick Lodge wrote a white paper (Waiting at the Gates) describing an organization that could serve as a springboard for people launching their own ministries in Nashville and the greater world. A central idea was the creation of a board comprised of representatives from many of the world's religions, to enhance inter-religious dialogue and to draw upon the wisdom and contacts of leaders in Nashville.
The Center for Contemplative Justice was formed and granted 501(c)3 status in 2004. The concept was to create an entity that may serve as an umbrella organization for people holding a vision so that they may birth their ideas, nurture and grow them, eventually seeking independent 501(c)3 status as the situation warrants it. The CCJ Board does not provide financial backing or staff for people proposing new programs, as a group of volunteers.
In addition, CCJ has established two in-house programs. The first in-house program was CCJ-Ecuador, the organization that manages Escuela Anne Stevens and the yearly pilgrimage to San Eduardo, Ecuador in March. A second program, CCJ-Botswana, was formed to manage the relationship with the Holy Cross Hospice in Gaborone, Botswana.
A CCJ Board member, Gordon Peerman, heard about a Texas ministry, Mobile Loaves & Fishes, through an NPR story. After meeting with the leaders of MLF, Gordon submitted a proposal to launch Mobile Loaves & Fishes in Nashville under the non-profit umbrella of CCJ. Within a few years, Mobile Loaves & Fishes had grown substantially and was ready to leave CCJ, becoming an independent 501c(3) organization. It is now called The Nashville Food Project.
For more information about CCJ or to learn more about submitting a proposal to the Board, email Scott Owings at scott@staugustineschapel.org.