The Pluralism Project at Harvard University

Mission

From website: “The Chaplaincy Institute of Maine is an interfaith wisdom school and open community committed to transformation of the self and planet earth through education, ordination, support, celebration and service.”

Description

From website: ChIME offers opportunities to become “proficient in leading interfaith community ceremonies and rituals, including: baptisms, weddings, organizational meetings, worship services, end of life care, funerals/memorials.”

“ChIME offers a two-year interfaith program for students seeking to deepen their spiritual growth and practice, and/or seeking ordination as interfaith ministers. The first year of the program focuses on inner work, preparing participants for chaplaincy. The second year explores ways in which the inner development is applied to serving the larger community.”

History

ChIME was established in 2001 by a small group of religious and counseling professionals. ChIME’s Abbot, Rev. Dr. Jacob Watson, received his training in the San Francisco area at the University of Creation Spirituality and the Chaplaincy Institute. ChIME is housed at Hospice of Maine in Portland, where it holds most of its classes and weekend workshops.

In the Spring of 2004, ChIME graduated its first class of four interfaith ministers.

Activities and Schedule

From website: “The Chaplaincy Institute is supported by an Interfaith Spiritual Community. Regular worship services are held the 3rd Sunday of each month to integrate body, mind and spirit, using the wisdom of indigenous peoples, and the themes of love and compassion from the world's religions. The emphasis is on the expressive arts.”

Services on the third Sunday of each month are from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at The Swedenborgian Church, 302 Stevens Ave., Portland, ME.