Some background on the Institute
After traveling all over the world giving workshops and trainings for churches in all the major denominations, the Rev. Eric H. F. Law finally decided to found an institute to continue the ministry that he started back in the late 1980s when he began a theological and practical journey through the landscape of diversity. His focus has always been: as a Christian, how can he follow Christ’s call to seek and serve Christ in every person and respect the dignity of every human being? What started out as a need to help himself, and others around him, address race and diversity issues in faithful and constructive ways has evolved into something much bigger and deeper. Over the years, many have found his writing and methods helpful for their ministries, as evidenced by the overwhelming number of requests f or him to give lectures and workshops across the United States, Canada, Australia, Asia, and Europe. He has written six books on the subject, ranging from individual spiritual practice to systemic transformational applications. His first book, The Wolf Shall Dwell with the Lamb, also appeared in a Spanish translation in 2005.
A continuous frustration for Eric has been that he has been receiving invitations to give one-day or two-day workshops, when the material that he has developed over the last 15 years is emerging as a system of theories, models, theology, and skill sets that are impossible to teach in such a short time. Only a few organizations have the resources to bring him back to further develop the skills of those who wanted to learn beyond the basics. The Kaleidoscope Institute is Eric’s effort to put this system of theories, models, theology, and skill sets all in one place, so that individuals and groups that want to gain a deeper understanding and practice of this ministry resource may come and learn and share their experiences.
With initial support from Bishops Jon Bruno and Chester L. Talton of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, the Kaleidoscope Institute commenced in 2006 with an initial set of one-day test programs in Los Angeles. After listening to the feedback from church leaders for the first three months, it became clear that we should focus our effort in offering an intensive five-day Summer Training Institute.
Summer and Winter Training Institute
The success of the first institute (August 2006) with participants from across the United States and from five different denominations confirmed that we were indeed meeting the needs of our constituencies. With increased demand for this kind of training, we now host two intensive one-week summer and winter institutes each year, in which participants can come and spend their time immersed in the learning and practice of being leaders in a diverse changing world, and further develop their skills in building more inclusive communities.
As part of the Summer Institute, we will offer special programs in response to the needs of our constituencies such as Advanced Design in Creating Audio-Video Electronic Media to Build Inclusive Community.
Newsletters
Beyond the basic training, we felt the needs for church leaders to continue their learning. Through the vehicle of our monthly newsletters, we have provided a series of articles on basic Kaleidoscope facilitation skills such as Respectful Communication Guidelines, Mutual Invitation, Kaleidoscope Bible Study, etc. In these articles, we have given readers more insights into these skills—how and when to use them, what to watch out for, and how to incorporate them into their ministries. Our newsletters also have monthly dialogue processes on contemporary issues, suggested question for the Kaleidoscope Bible Study process, and announcements of upcoming events and programs.
Kaleidoscope Collectives
We originally conceived the idea of the Kaleidoscope Institute Collectives as a network of local church communities for which the Institute can provide resources and trainings. As 2007 moved on, instead of getting commitments from local churches, we got many inquiries from organizations and institutes — dioceses, conferences, presbyteries, theological seminaries, and colleges — about becoming members of the Collectives. Being true to our commitment to listen and develop programs that are needs-driven, we modified the Kaleidoscope Collectives idea to also include developing mutual supportive relationship with organizations and institutions. Through the network of relationships, the Kaleidoscope Institute will be resourcing these organizations with on-site training programs, consulting and coaching services, and scholarships for leaders to come to our Winter or Summer Training Institute.
Kaleidoscope Institute Facilitator and Associates
From the feedback of our training institute participants , we learned that there are people across the United States and the world who are passionate about becoming more skilled and proficient in training others to be competent leaders in a diverse changing world. We have developed a certification process for interested people to become Facilitators and Associates of the Kaleidoscope Institute. The Kaleidoscope Institute Associates are the key resources that will meet the needs of the Collectives as our network grows in the coming years.
The Kaleidoscope Institute continues to enjoy a close tie with the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, even though our ministry is markedly ecumenical. The Institute will continue to provide the required Anti-Racism Orientation Training for the diocese’s church leaders, and congregational consulting, training and coaching services as needed. Across the United States, we also have developed consulting relationships with the United Methodist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, and American Baptist Churches and the United Church of Christ, especially in the Pacific Northwest, Texas and the East-Coast states. Thanks be to God, and to the faithful people who have believed in the vision of the Kaleidoscope Institute—we continue to develop programs, resources and structures that will continue to serve and support leaders to become more competent in our diverse changing world.
As always, we appreciate your feedback in our developing ministry. Your prayers and support will be great appreciated.
January 2008
