The theme of the April–June 2009 edition of Radical Grace was the spirituality of women. As with that powerful edition, we now offer an edition of Radical Grace solely honoring the spirituality of men. I am confident that both men and women will be deeply moved by these compelling stories.

Many of the men who have contributed articles have completed the CAC-sponsored Men’s Rites of Passage (MROP), a program of Men As Learners and Elders (M.A.L.Es.). The philosophy of the M.A.L.Es. program is composed of 10 separate and profound statements, which are highlighted with each of the articles in this issue.

May this edition of Radical Grace be an inspiration to all men and women on their spiritual journeys.

~ Vanessa Guerin

In “Creation as the Body of God” (page 3), Richard Rohr states that “the incarnation actually happened 14.5 billion years ago with a moment that we now call 'The Big Bang'." John Haught, in his article (page 4), expands on this idea: “Theologically speaking, the evolving universe is the extended and still developing body of Christ.”

These concepts are part of an historical ecological tradition carried through the centuries by some of the great mystics, including Francis, Bonaventure, Scotus and Aquinas.

I invite you to read this issue in the light of this tradition, and reflect upon your participation in creation, the body of Christ.

~ Vanessa Guerin

We have chosen as our image and metaphor for Emerging Christianity the symbol of the New Zealand “koru fern.”

I found this primitive fern everywhere in my visits to that country. The New Zealanders take the koru as their native symbol of unfolding, growth, and the endless generative nature of their people and their islands.

For us, it also unites one major unfolding, the Christ Mystery, with the many smaller unfoldings that are the various traditions and denominations of Christianity. They all grow together and all broaden and enrich one another, just as Paul said of the parts of the Body of Christ (1 Cor. 12).

~ Fr. Richard

“Mysticism,” the theme of this edition of Radical Grace, is explored uniquely by each of our contributors. Yet, what most of them hold in common is that awakening to mystical experience usually involves some form of contemplation or holding silence.

The very personal stories and poems in this edition of Radical Grace clearly reveal how lives are transformed through the willingness to embrace the powerful experiences of deep suffering and profound love.

Both men and women will be inspired by each and every woman’s story in this edition of Radical Grace. From Marianne Wright Edelman’s article describing her faith-driven journey, working on behalf of the children and poor of America, to Katy Taylor’s article questioning whether the spirituality of men and women is indeed different, we discover the “extraordinary power” women have when “sustained by faith.”

Fr. Richard Rohr and Alastair McIntosh address eco-spirituality and care of the earth, among other critical global issues. Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson create a foundation for the work we are called to do by introducing us to our individual Enneagram virtues. With these tools we can—inspired by the Spirit—contemplate what action or actions we are to take in the world to renew the face of the earth.

"...my life has become an ongoing internship of sorts, inspired and intimately influenced by all that I gleaned from my years at the Center."

~ Genny O'Herron