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Ethical Society of St. Louis' Colloquy

Colloquy What is spirituality? Traditional religions may find it in ancient rituals or quiet prayer. Humanists and Ethical Culturalists find it in the connections we make with other people and in the gift of life itself. Colloquy provides a space for us to forge these connections and contemplate together those things that make life unique and precious.

Every Sunday at 9:45 a.m. from September to July, Colloquy offers one hour of self-reflection and meditation within a nurturing, protected group environment. Participants use readings, music, and quiet sharing to reflect on a theme; meditation on the theme often invites gentle exploration of life's questions. The effect can be powerful, but hard to describe (see "An Understanding of Colloquy as Spiritual").

Colloquy was created at the Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island (http://www.ehsli.org/) by Arthur Dobrin, the Leader of the Long Island congregation. Joy McConnell, an Ethical Culture Leader, introduced the program to the St. Louis Society in 1997.

"We should not overlook the role played by our feelings and emotions in prompting us to live ethical lives. . . . Reason may guide us in doing the right thing, but it is caring--it is feeling--that motivates us to reach out and do good in the first place. It is our capacity for feeling that makes us moral people."

Fritz Williams, "The Heart of Humanism," September 27, 1998 Platform Address
Format

Each Colloquy discussion centers on a particular theme. The group has considered such topics as awareness, serenity, character, darkness, transitions, and memory. Facilitators and participants derive Colloquy topics and inspiration from a number of sources, including:
  • Spelling God with Two O's by Arthur Dobrin
  • Life Prayers from Around the World by Jamie Sams
  • A Treasury of Kahlil Gibran by Kahlil Gibran
  • The Compassionate Presence by Stephen R. Schwartz
A facilitator guides the conversation and ensures that participants remain comfortable and focused. To offer consistency, Colloquy sessions follow a similar schedule at each meeting:

9:45 Music during gathering; relaxing/reflection
10:00 Welcome, opening words, and opening question
10:10 Poetry and other readings by the facilitator
10:15 Music for reflection
10:20 Sharing among the participants
10:35 Closing words
10:45 Group singing

Ethical Society members and friends may attend Colloquy regularly or visit occasionally as topics interest them. For more information on joining Colloquy, email us () or call the program's coordinator at 314/991-0955.

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9001 Clayton Road
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