INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY: 

A CONTRIBUTION TO THE RULE

MD SOLEDAD TRAVERSO & OD LYNN TRUNCALE

TABLE 56 OF ORDAINED, TORONTO, CANADA

INCLUSION IS CENTRAL TO THE WORK WE DO IN CAFH.

Based on the statements from the two GMKs and our current GMD, we conclude that the notion of inclusion is center to our Path, as it is Participation. For example:

“When we try to understand each other, we do it more based on what separates us than on what unites us. It’s like we don’t know how to include others into our world. Can we advance spiritually, can we learn to include?

Can we change our way of understanding ourselves and finally see ourselves as part of an all-encompassing organism? Of course, we can, otherwise, what would we be doing here? But we cannot trust that this transformation of our perception will come naturally with time. The only thing that guarantees the passage of time are the years that we accumulate. The passage of time gives us the possibility of experiences, but how we process each experience depends on our effort to understand. To advance spiritually we need to focus our work on developing the ability to see ourselves as an integral part of the whole.” (Closing Address 1991, Mysticism of Inclusion)

“Our method of life leads us to work on the expansion of consciousness in such a way that, through our love, we may become more and more inclusive.” (Extracts of Allocutions 2005-2013)

“Let us give strength to values by living them. To give testimony through our conduct, as individuals and as a group, of the fact that values such as honesty, generosity, inclusion and participation are still valid is a force that keeps faith alive in humankind.” (Extracts of Allocutions 2005-2013)

“To live intelligently in sync with this law of life is to understand that renouncement is liberation, not suffering; that instead of pushing us along a path of resignation, which is subjugation, a kind of giving up, it leads us along a path of acceptance, which is openness and inclusion.” (Messages VI, Third Teaching)

“We endeavor to transmute sectarianism, polarization and violence through respect, dialogue, inclusion and selfless love.”  (Opening Address 2022)

Union with all souls implies not only including everyone but also accepting the way in which other people feel, and see the world from their cultural background, race, gender, and religious upbringing, among other aspects.  Inclusion can only enrich ourselves and our Path.  

Recent decades have witnessed worldwide migration on a large scale which brings us all into contact with more diversity of cultures, religions, politics, gender and ways of being than ever before. It seems that almost no part of the world is exempt from this transformation of apparently homogeneous cultures whose dominant ideas have wielded the most influence, to the explosion of contrasts no longer hidden in quiet corners. It is important that Cafh, which exists in this confluence of diversity, states explicitly and clearly its openness to all souls who resonate with its mysticism.

The fact that Cafh doesn´t have a Diversity and Inclusion Statement could be seen as a contradiction to the identity of Cafh as a Path of renouncement, love, inclusion, and participation.

We propose this statement:

Diversity and Inclusion Statement: Anyone who has a vocation of renouncement, who can freely and consciously commit themselves to take a Vow can become a member of Cafh.  

Cafh values diversity and inclusion of applicants from any ethnic group, country of origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, cultural background, race, education, occupation, citizenship, religious background, civil status, abilities, or age.  

Therefore, respect and dignity towards each other are fundamental as a way of living according to the Teaching and the Principles of Cafh. This facilitates an environment that ensures that everyone can genuinely express themselves from their identity and feel integrated, with room for openness, dialogue, and love.