The Graced Metamorphosis of CAC and This Expanding Community of Support 

Nearly five years ago, in January 2020, Fr. Richard Rohr wrote the following in anticipation of transitioning from his day-to-day leadership role with the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC).  

As I happily enter my final years, the CAC continues to grow. We realize it is our responsibility to offer something broader and beyond Richard Rohr—an organization that does not depend on me for its credibility. We have been moving in this direction for some years now, sincerely asking, “How can the CAC continue to be of service, building on what God has already done with us? How can we offer something of further value that has authority and believability on its own?” The question we are asking now is, “How can a small but strong foundation of wisdom teachers—CAC core faculty and others—be of service to the world and to Love?”  

The leadership transition from a founder is never easy. It can sometimes be more than an organization can handle, especially when the founder is as central to the vision and heart of the work as Fr. Richard is to the CAC. But thanks to the humility of Fr. Richard, the forethought and intentionality of the process, and the amount of graced participation from the CAC community around the world, it is amazing how well Fr. Richard’s transition has gone.  

This transition has included a growing and expanding faculty, with over twenty teachers contributing to the Living School’s new Essentials of Engaged Contemplation course.  A growing and expanding senior leadership team has developed new decision-making, content, and workflow processes for the day-to-day responsibilities of our programs.  The documentation of key elements supports CAC’s vision, values, and foundations. We enjoy an expanding base of partners and support from people like you, as more than 7,000 people are giving monthly in partnership with CAC’s mission. And, in the “best case scenario,” through all this expansion and change, Fr. Richard is still here! He’s still writing, speaking, and participating as he is able, but no program or offering is dependent on him, unlike so much over the past thirty years.  

Read more about this journey of growth and transformation in CAC’s 2023 Year in Review at CAC.org/AnnualReport.

Expanding CAC’s community of support is one of the key elements that will help sustain this work to impact the next generation of spiritual seekers. We recently conducted a survey to hear directly from our community of support and learn about their goals, values, and the impact they want to have in the world. Below is a snapshot of the results of our 2024 Donor Survey. In alignment with our financial philosophy, we are committed to transparency, and we are thrilled to share these inspiring findings with you.  

Sample Comments  

    “My inspiration to give is for other seekers like me to receive and appreciate the daily meditation emails and further opportunities for spiritual growth.”  

    “I am given the opportunity to give, according to my means, never pushed but graciously encouraged.”  

    “My experience with CAC has changed my perspective on life. I am far less judgmental and feel more compassion, and it’s made a difference in my family!”  

    “Praying with the daily meditations deepens me, but I also feel a part of a larger diverse community who are receiving and perhaps praying them with me.”  

Thank you for being part of this community of support in partnership with CAC’s work to awaken a more loving, just, and connected world.